Willem Dafoe Headlines 14 Year Old Willem By Willem Oloroso Finished Laphroaig

Willem Dafoe has unveiled his limited edition “Willem by Willem,” a limited-edition single malt scotch crafted in collaboration with the Laphroaig distillery. 

Mirroring the actor’s persona, the whisky is presented as a "blank slate." It eschews traditional tasting notes for an interactive experience, inviting drinkers to decode its character themselves.

A labor of love by both Dafoe and Laphroiag Senior Whisky Maker Sarah Dowling, the expression is described as a 14 Year Old, Oloroso sherry cask-finished scotch bottled at 53.7% ABV.

It will go on sale at an MSRP of $156. Ballots for purchase opened last Friday and this Monday on the Laphroaig website, while the release will start to come to U.S. shelves in mid-June.

Paying homage to the film industry’s “no notes” phrase, the brand has omitted tasting notes from the product description.

Instead, Laphroaig is inviting fans to interpret the whisky’s taste through any creative medium of choice. The contest will run from the second week of June through August 2, submitted through Laphroaig's website.

Participants who showcase the most "bold and original character" - whether through a poem, sketch, or short film - could win a starring role alongside Dafoe in a video campaign filming later this year.

Dafoe said: “I made my final choice based on the whisky that evoked the most curiosity about its taste – something I still can’t put my finger on, but that’s half the fun. For me, when I sip ‘Willem by Willem’ I experience…you tell me. For all who drink it, I hope the whisky will inspire discussion.”

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team