Laphroaig Islay single malt has revealed a new partnership with cult actor Willem Dafoe. The first of its kind collaboration in the distillery’s history, debuts with a short film titled ‘The Taste’.

The partnership marks the latest installment in the brand’s ‘Unphorgettable’ campaign, which launched in 2024 and celebrates the unmistakable flavour of this iconic whisky, making it ‘unphorgettable’ to all who imbibe.

‘The Taste’ brings to life Dafoe’s search to define Laphroaig’s taste – something he can’t quite put his finger on – revealing a cinematic exploration by Dafoe and a celebration of his inimitable character.

The whimsical film draws inspiration from unusual components in Dafoe’s life and his thirst for immersing himself to get a taste of experiences. The opening scene tells the story of Dafoe remaining inside a wardrobe for two days as a child, to try and experience flying into space after watching astronauts going to the moon. With this individual and curious style, Dafoe seeks the words to describe the uniquely bold single malt, as well as reciting humorous descriptions submitted by some of the whisky’s biggest fans – Friends of Laphroaig.

Laphroaig Senior Whisky Maker Sarah Dowling said: “When we tried to imagine Laphroaig as a human being, we immediately thought of Willem Dafoe.

“He is the very embodiment of our bold and distinctive spirit. It has been beyond exciting for me and the team to be a part of ‘The Taste’, and to get inside the hidden corners of Willem’s brilliant mind. I wasn’t expecting there to be so many synergies between his approach to craft and character as an actor, to my own as a whisky maker. I can’t wait for the world to see what we have been creating together.”

This partnership will also extend to a limited-edition product collaboration, set for release in 2026. Together with Dowling, Dafoe has developed a new whisky, that is now quietly maturing, steeped in the peat, smoke, salt and the surprising sweetness that infuses all Laphroaig whiskies.

Watch the film here:

The collaboration follows Glenmorangie Highland single malt Scotch whisky revealing a new global campaign starring cinema icon Harrison Ford earlier this year.