Laphroaig Cairdeas Madeira Cask 2016

I think the picture in this review sums up the perfect whisky drinking experience for me. Sitting outside the visitors centre at Laphroaig, overlooking the cold waters of the North Atlantic as they lazily washed over the grey rocks and, most importantly, two extra glasses for sharing my whisky.

The morning had dawned beautifully and we were all set to experience Laphroaig's rather popular tour, Water to Whisky. This is where they take you out to the distillery's water source, visit the peat bogs to cut some peat and then give you the opportunity to hand-fill a bottle down in the legendary Warehouse 1 from a cask of your choosing.

As everyone was prepping and getting their wellies in order I snuck three drams of their latest Cairdeas out for a quiet sip before heading out.

As my two other friends joined me we toasted to what turned out to be a an absolutely wonderful day of whisky drinking and exploring. But I will talk about that in a later post.

In the mean time we had in front of us a rather unusual Laphroaig. To the best of my knowledge this was the first time Laphroaig have experimented with a Madeira cask so, needless to say, everyone was quite excited.

This particular Cairdeas is a vatting of first-fill bourbons which have then been finished off in a Madeira hogshead. The result is a departure from the traditional Laphroaig flavours. My sample is from an open bottle and served at 51.6%

The sharp peat jumps out first. Quite spicy. A bit of oak. Becomes sweet and sour after a while. I don't know if I'm getting influenced by the label but there's red fruits in here too. Red berries. Raspberries. Liquorice. And finally that familiar Laphroaig iodine and seaweed that I was searching for. Dries with a touch of water. This is a good nose if you ask me. Just short of being fantastic but good in it's own right.

Hmmmmm. This is where the Laphroaig distillate comes through more. Well rounded and crisp. The oak is there and it's been dry-rubbed by those same red berries. The liquorice is back. And it's back with some dark chocolate. And, as with the nose, the seaweed and iodine make a last minute appearance. It's sweet and sour at the same time. Once again, like the nose, it does not blow my mind but I'm happy to drink it.

Smoky. Earthy. Hint of those red fruits again.

I love Laphroaig. In fact I love pretty much everything about them. Especially the tour and tasting guides who go out of their way to make you feel special. This new Cairdeas is a departure from the typical Laphroaig house style but I think it works even if it doesn't blow my socks off. I'm more than happy to drink this all evening. Preferably at the distillery's visitor centre.

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