Single malt Scotch whisky brand Laphroaig has announced a new global campaign featuring actor Willem Dafoe, marking the first time the distillery has partnered with an actor.

The collaboration also includes a future limited-edition release expected to launch in 2026, with the expression currently maturing in the distillery’s warehouses on Islay.

This new campaign falls under Laphroaig's ongoing "Unphorgettable" series, which launched in 2024 to highlight the various ways consumers try to describe the whisky's intensely smoky, peated flavor.

The collaboration begins with a short film titled “The Taste,” directed by Tim Pope - known for his direction of music videos for artists ranging from David Bowie to Iggy pop -  which explores Dafoe’s attempt to describe the flavor of Laphroaig. 

To promote the launch of “The Taste,” Laphroaig temporarily renamed The Barley Mow pub in London to “The Barley Dafoe”, a name that it will hold through to September 29. The bar will serve a cocktail designed to reflect the partnership called Opposite Island, with versions of the cocktail expected to appear at other bars worldwide later this year.

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team