Laphroaig's Strong Characters series tells the story of the distillery since its founding in 1815, with each chapter following a defining character in Laphroaig's remarkable history.
Chapter Two features the life of Dugald Johnston. When, in 1847, Dugald's father suddenly died intestate (see Chapter One), the ten-year-old boy inherited the Laphroaig distillery by default (a point of lasting contention among his sisters). Dugald spent his short life improving the distillery's impressive reputation, expanding both output and estate in the face of famine and hardship, until his death in 1877 at age 30.
The story is told across an illustrated bottle and a presentation case containing a small book written by whisky historian Dr Nick Morgan. The reality of life on Islay in 1847, and Dugald's daunting predicament, are brought to life by illustrator Bill Bragg's duotone drawings. Bragg's bold, elegant illustrations are a fitting companion to the 35-year-old, limited-edition Laphroaig bottling.