ABV |
48% |
---|---|
Aging |
10 yrs; Ex-bourbon barrels and Oloroso casks |
Recipe |
100% Malted Barley |
Distiller | Laphroaig (Port Ellen, Scotland) |
This isn’t too far of a cry from the old Laphroaig Triple Wood, which I guess is gone now - we are on to four wood (really?…), the 10 year, quarter cask, and this one. But, 10 years, sherry finish, 48% - I’m interested, even if sherry and peat can be perilous…
Review (2021)
Batch: N/A
Bottling Code: L1 026 SBI 2034 15:50
Bottling Date: ~2021
· Bottling Date: ~2020
Without even comparing to other bottlings or rating – that nose on Laphroaig is so great. It’s been too long…
Charred chickpeas, smoke, wet earth, baking spice, vanilla, smoked almonds, and some classic, interesting medicinal notes – bandaids and iodine. It isn’t as vibrant or “together” as the best Laphroaig noses. There are some dense bready notes here too – interesting, reminding me of dense pumperknickel. The palate is richly earthy and spicy, if not a bit thin. There is a big backbone of dried fruit, and the tannins are perfect. Peppery. Nice. The finish is really earthy, and the nutty/fruity character of the sherry opposes the peat in a way that is interesting – not necessarily opposing but also not necessarily complementing.
It doesn’t have the punch or elegance (dare I say it?) of quarter cask, nor the delicate balance between cask and spirit, but there is more going on here. Fruity, with a more clean and narrow portrayal of peat smoke. Delicious stuff.
Highly Recommended (50% of all whiskies I’ve reviewed to date get this recommendation or higher).
Value: Average, at $100.