Beam Suntory’s Islay single malt Scotch whisky brand Laphroaig is releasing a global travel retail exclusive expression which celebrates the life of Bessie Williamson. She was the first woman to own and run a Scotch whisky distillery in the 20th century.
The 25yo super-premium whisky (43% ABV) has been aged in refill American oak hogsheads and refill barrels and comes complete with a book – The Bessie Williamson Story – which allows purchasers to discover its subject’s legacy in depth. It includes tasting notes and a message from John Campbell, Laphroaig’s Distillery Manager.
Williamson was born in Glasgow in 1910 and attended the University of Glasgow from 1927, intending to become a teacher, graduating with an MA in 1932.
After graduating she accepted a summer job at Laphroaig distillery intending to stay only a few months. She worked directly with then owner Ian Hunter, eventually taking on responsibility for US distribution in 1938. By the time of the Second World War she had become the full-time distillery manager and the most senior woman in the Scotch whisky industry.
She is credited with being among the first to anticipate the trend for single malt scotches and to position the Laphroaig whiskies, and by extension other Islay malts, to the American market.
The Scotch Whisky Association named Williamson as its American spokesperson from 1961 to 1964 and she toured the US representing Islay whisky to buyers and distributors.
John Campbell said: “Laphroaig is a globally recognised whisky thanks to Bessie. It is well documented that Bessie was universally loved and respected by her colleagues at Laphroaig and the people of Islay. It is this aspect that we celebrate with this whisky, remembering her as a true icon of Laphroaig.”
