The Legend of Laphroaig | Marcel van Gils & Hans Offringa

The Legend of Laphroaig by Marcel van Gils and Hans Offringa tells the fascinating and extensively researched history of one of Islay's most famous whisky distilleries. Published in 2007, this richly illustrated book is an exceptional reference work for enthusiasts of Laphroaig, Islay whisky and Scotch whisky history.

Laphroaig specialist and collector Marcel van Gils joined forces with internationally acclaimed whisky writer Hans Offringa to research the history of the distillery. With the permission and cooperation of Laphroaig and its then owner Beam Global, the authors explored extensive archives on Islay and at Glasgow University. Their research was also supported by descendants of the Johnston family, whose history is closely connected with Laphroaig.

The book begins with an introduction to the history of distilling, followed by the story of the Isle of Islay. It then explores the complete history of Laphroaig Distillery, illustrated with historic documents and photographs, many of which had never previously been published.

Another chapter explains how Laphroaig whisky is made and introduces the people working at the distillery. This section features photographs taken by the authors during their visit to Laphroaig in April 2007. The final chapter presents an overview of Marcel van Gils' remarkable private collection of Laphroaig bottles.

The Legend of Laphroaig contains 216 full-colour pages with hundreds of photographs and illustrations sourced from Glasgow University, Laphroaig Distillery and the Scottish Brewing Archive. The illustrations are by Dutch artist Hans Dillesse, and the foreword was written by renowned whisky writer Charles MacLean.

For Laphroaig enthusiasts, this is much more than a general whisky book. It is an in-depth historical account of the distillery, its whisky and the people and families behind the famous Islay name. The combination of original research, rare archive material and Van Gils' bottle collection also makes it a highly interesting collector's book for Laphroaig and Islay whisky enthusiasts.

Book details

Authors: Marcel van Gils & Hans Offringa
Foreword: Charles MacLean
Illustrations: Hans Dillesse
Publisher: Still Publishing
Publication year: 2007
Language: English
Format: Hardcover with dust jacket
Pages: 216
Size: 21 × 27 cm
ISBN: 9789089100276
Subject: Laphroaig, Islay whisky, Scotch whisky, whisky distilleries, whisky history, whisky collecting

Condition: Very good. Light handling and shelf wear consistent with the age of the book. The dust jacket and contents are clean and complete.