Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength batch 11

Long have I waited to get my hands on a bottle of this and I've not been disappointed, far from it. This bottle has been open for two months and is about three quarters full - review is with a few drops of water to a 25 ml pour.

Nose - Big and complex with initial smokey, sweet, waxy, chalky, vegetal and medicinal notes. Specifically, ash tray like smoke, lots of vanilla, lemon curd and patience reveals a fudgey, toffee note that sits in the background. Classic notes of seaweed and general coastal vibes mixed in with hospital floors. Beautiful.

Taste - Fiery and intense with the smoke and citrus looming. More vanilla and salty seaweed notes. Waxy mouth-feel with some fresh(ish) oak coming through.

Finish - Long and warming. Surprisingly sweet but becomes slightly drying with lemon zest and tannins. Oodles more medicinal, ashy smoke and burnt liquorice.

Neat this is an intense bomb of a whisky and, personally, i find needs a little water to fully reveal all its charms. It can take a lot as well and adding more brings out more vanilla and an array of lemon notes.

Simply put, a stunningly well-peated whisky that has depth and some sweet complexity to add to it's more obvious charms.

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