Laphroaig 14 Year Old Sherry Cask Sample

Concluding the Feis Ile week (no I did not attend) with this Laphroaig sample. This sample actually landed unintentionally on my plate as I wrongly ordered it instead of a better whisky. I was going for the sherry matured Laphroaig 1998/2013 by the Whisky Agency (90 score on whiskyfun), but somehow screwed up the order.

Description: matured for 14 years in a sherry cask (second fill?); pale white wine in colour, with thick legs in the glass

Nose: the set-up is pretty common: An obvious bouquet of peated notes, scorched crème bruléé, formaldehyde, rubber and coal ash, with soft hints of pine. Though there the soapy aromas are new. (with water added: for a short moment strong notes of olive oil, rosemary and garlic emerge, but disappear almost as fast as they appeared)

Mouth: lightly bodied, opens with a highly alcoholic stinging attack on the palate with the characteristics of citrus peel. Subsequently turns bitter, with notes of peat, smoke, rubber and charred oak (with water added: becomes more prickling and vanilla flavours are introduced)

Finish: long, soft anise and oak, but with sharp notes of chili in the tale

Verdict: no sherry influence whatsoever, bares all the characteristics of a Laphroaig but reminds me what of a young Ardmore. Not sure what to say, good I guess? But good enough for a cask strength I’m not wow’ed and neither should you

Find where to buy Laphroaig whisky