Daryl interviews Sarah Dowling, lead whisky maker at Laphroaig, tracing her path from a genetics and environmental background to a 2012 Edrington recycling contract that turned into a long whisky career via sensory panels, Diageo, and nearly seven years at Cooley in Ireland (working on Connemara and other releases, and even managing the site). She discusses how her palate evolved from missing vanilla to treating smoke as a “neutral,” and how collaborative tasting works best when nobody gets told what they “should” taste. Sarah explains the organic Willem Dafoe collaboration (the “Unforgettable” campaign), built from pilot blends, repeated tastings, and an Oloroso-driven 14-year whisky bottled at 53.7% with rich texture. For Fèis Ìle’s 40th anniversary, Laphroaig’s Càirdeas is fully matured in French oak, noted for Lapsang souchong-like smoke and melon notes, and Sarah previews interactive Laphroaig Day tastings, parties, and Friends of Laphroaig camaraderie.

00:00 Welcome Sarah Dowling

01:09 From Sustainability to Whisky

02:59 Discovering Sensory Panels

07:03 Finding Flavor Blind Spots

11:53 Irish Whiskey Calling

16:41 Life at Cooley Distillery

17:55 Full Time Blender Role

18:36 Willem Dafoe Collaboration

20:34 Building the Oloroso Blend

23:47 First Tastes and Bold Character

24:28 Bold New Release

25:07 Willem Gets It

26:17 On Set Inspiration

29:05 Friends And Festivals

30:40 French Oak Cairdeas

31:58 Tasting Notes Tea Smoke

35:51 Feis Ile Tastings

38:04 Friends Stories And Farewell

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