The Islay-based Laphroaig Distillery has announced that its recently launched collaborative release with cult actor Willem Dafoe, will be available in Global Travel Retail.

Laphroaig – Willem by Willem (53.7% ABV) is a 14 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky, initially matured in ex-Bourbon casks before being finished in Oloroso Sherry casks.

The release marks the latest chapter in Laphroaig’s partnership with cult actor Willem Dafoe, who became a Friend of Laphroaig last September to celebrate the unforgettable taste of the globally loved peated whisky. Dafoe selected the Willem by Willem expression alongside Laphroaig’s Senior Whisky Maker, Sarah Dowling. Rather than focusing on tasting notes and production methods, he chose the whisky that sparked his curiosity and delivered the most memorable tasting experience.

Inspired by the film industry’s “no notes” phrase – meaning a performance so confident and complete that it needs no direction – the launch deliberately excludes official tasting notes. Instead, fans around the world are invited to form their own interpretation of the whisky’s character.

Initially made available to Friends of Laphroaig members for pre-order in April, the release will first launch at London Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 from August, before rolling out internationally.

Commenting on the whisky, Willem Dafoe, said: “It was a pleasure learning about each of the whiskies shortlisted to be ‘the one’. I made my final choice based on the whisky that evoked the most curiosity about its taste – something I still can’t quite 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.”

Sarah Dowling, Senior Whisky Maker at Laphroaig, added: “Our experience of whisky is so personal, from how we drink it – whether neat, with water or in a cocktail – to the different opinions on its taste. It was important to Willem and me that we selected a rich and complex spirit that is unmistakably Laphroaig, yet one that allows people to interpret and enjoy it in their own way. The whisky speaks for itself, and I look forward to hearing what it says to people around the world.”

Following the Heathrow Terminal 5 launch on August 1st, the roll-out of Laphroaig – Willem by Willem will continue this autumn across Singapore Changi Airport, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai, Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and Dubai International Airport. RRP: $142.00.