THE BARLEY DEFOE: LAPHROAIG & WILLEN DAFOE TOAST BOLD CHARACTER
September 2025
This September, Mayfair plays host to a playful transformation: The Barley Mow on Duke Street has, for a limited time, been renamed The Barley Dafoe. The reason? An unexpected collaboration between cult actor Willem Dafoeand iconic Islay distillery Laphroaig.
The partnership celebrates those who embody a boldness of character – a theme that resonates as much with Dafoe’s cinematic career as it does with the unforgettable taste of Laphroaig’s single malts.
A Cocktail with Character
At the heart of the collaboration is a new creation: The Other Island, a cocktail crafted with Laphroaig 10-Year-Old, pineapple, and a hint of Amaro. Conceived by renowned mixologist Meaghan Dorman, it captures Dafoe’s dual affections – the wild, rugged spirit of Scotland and the sunnier climes of Italy where he resides.
Available first at The Barley Dafoe until 19 October 2025, the drink will later appear in select bars around the world as part of Laphroaig’s ongoing Unphorgettable campaign.
The Other Island, Laphroaig 10-Year-Old, pineapple, and a hint of Amaro
An ‘Unphorgettable’ Collaboration
To mark the launch, Laphroaig has released a whimsical short film, The Taste, directed by Tim Pope, the visionary behind music videos for David Bowie, Iggy Pop, Neil Young and The Cure. In the film, Dafoe embarks on an almost surreal quest to capture the essence of Laphroaig’s unmistakable flavour – a bold single malt that many describe as smoky, medicinal, and unlike any other.
True to his eccentric spirit, Dafoe draws upon unusual chapters of his life – from childhood space odysseys enacted in wardrobes to his present-day penchant for alpacas – while reciting humorous tasting notes contributed by fans of the whisky, the “Friends of Laphroaig.”
Where to Experience It
The Barley Dafoe: 82 Duke Street, Mayfair W1K 6JG
Pub renamed until: Thursday 25th September, 9am
The Other Island cocktail: Available until 19th October 2025
For those who revel in distinctive taste and character, this Mayfair pop-up is a fleeting chance to experience a whisky – and an actor – that defy easy description.
Watch The Taste and discover more at laphroaig.com, or follow @laphroaig on Instagram.
