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