Laphroaig QA Cask

Laphroaig have continued with their tradition of Duty Free releases. Previous expressions include Quarter Cask, Triple Wood and PX Cask now there is QA cask. They have also recently released An Cuan Mor which I haven't opened yet so will compare shortly but back to QA cask for now.

Mine came in a 1 litre bottle (bonus) and this bottle has been open for around 4 months now. QA is an abbreviation of Quercus Alba which is Latin for American White Oak.

The first maturation is in ex-bourbon barrels, followed by a transfer to un-charred American white oak (QA) casks. This 2nd maturation gives this expression stronger and more intense vanilla notes.

It's a light pale straw colour with a slightly oily appearance.

The nose is distinctive. Coastal sea spray, iodine, sticking plaster and heavily salted yet sweet caramel. You can smell the smoke subtlety wafting around at the back.

On the palate you get wood and smoke upfront. It has a big peaty punch and the vanilla sweetness comes through.

The finish it long, smokey, sweet with an oak tang. Mild peppery spices tingle gently but the smoke and oak life on for a good while.

It is softer and slightly sweeter than the 10 yo. It's only 40%ABV and you can tell. It is very nice and as a huge Laphroaig fan it doesn't disappoint and yet doesn't rock my world either. Good entry level bottle and interesting.

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