Islay single malt Scotch whiskey is produced at the Laphroaig distillery. It is called after the region of land near the mouth of Loch Laphroaig on the island of Islay's southern shore. The toponym's meaning is uncertain, although an often proposed derivation contains the words 'lag,' which is Gaelic for 'hollow,' 'breid,' which is Norse for 'breadth,' and 'vik,' which is Norse for 'bay,' suggesting an initial Gaelic form that may be something like 'Lag Bhrdhaig' (the hollow of Broadbay). The placename 'Praig,' which is also supposed to mean 'wide bay,' on the east coast of Islay may be linked to the name. Suntory Holdings of Japan's American affiliate, Beam Suntory, owns and runs the distillery and the brand. Since the first drop of whisky came off the still in 1815, distillery management have handed on their heritage of manufacturing whiskey. The art of Laphroaig has been guarded by Ian Hunter, Bessie Williamson, John MacDougal, Denise Nicole, Iain Henderson, John Campbell, and our newest distillery manager, Barry MacAffer. Naturally, each person brought their own impact, but everyone recognized the distinctive qualities that make Laphroaig the whiskey it is. The Kilbride Stream, hand-cut peat, floor-malted barley, mash tuns, cold-smoking kilns, copper alchemy, and the finesse of oak aging. Each and every step is important in creating the Scotch whisky with the most complex flavors.