Review: Laphroaig Cask Strength 10 Year old - The Balanced Giant!

jwise

Distiller:

Laphroaig

Bottle:

Reviewer:

Date:

5th Feb 2010

2010-02-05T05:05:00

Region:

Islay

ABV:

55.7%

Review:

On the Nose: Peat. Saltiness. Medicinal. Brine. After the peat hits you like a ton of bricks, the other aromas start to make themselves known. Honestly, I have never been one to refer to whisky as 'medicinal', as it has such a negative connotation, but it fits here. In fact, I would go as far as to say I detect the smell of a bandaid that has just been removed from its sterile packaging. That's not the primary smell, as I stated, the peat is what hits you first and foremost.

On the Tongue: Don't be mistaken, this is NOT the 10yr, or even the Quarter Cask. This is the Cask STRENGTH. This bad boy packs a punch, and that punch is directed right at the mouth! The first sensation hits the mouth with spiciness, albeit mellowed. The peat shows up, along with the briny salty spray, but it is much more mellowed than what you might imagine.

The balance is pretty amazing. Its not salty like the Tobermory, or peaty like the Bowmore, nor is it spicy like the Isle of Jura. It all works together to create an incredibly robust, full-flavored whisky that reminds you exactly where it is made...ISLAY!

Finish: It is the finish where this whisky really shows up! The finish is long, and powerful, hitting you with peat, spice, and really stays with you for a while. In fact, I have woken up the next morning after drinking Laphroaig CS and been reminded of this fact! I'll say it again, "this whisky has a LONG finish!"

Rating:

9.0/10

Colour:

Pale Straw

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