Islay Mist was originally created in 1927 at Laphroaig distillery by Ian Hunter. In fact, it was specifically requested by Hugh Morrison of Islay House to celebrate his son’s 21st birthday. As the final choice was made at the warehouse tasting, Morrison picked one, saying: ‘That will put them all in a bit of a fog, Ian.’ Hunter’s now iconic response to this was: ‘Not a fog… more like an Islay mist!’

Some say it was the first blended Scotch with Laphroaig as its foundation, though it certainly was one of the first peaty blends. The brand was eventually acquired by MacDuff International in 1992.