Laphroaig Quarter Cask

We glared at each other from across a barren lamp-lit table - a tentative neophyte and a monolith of phenolic devastation, whose insidiousness lay cloaked behind a charming emerald facade.

The first encounter was an object lesson in oral brutality. My mouth filled instantly with billowing clouds of filthy coal smoke and austere minerals. Water only seemed to make Laphroaig angrier. The truth about Laphroaig is that it made me sick.

I was defeated, despite my predilection for the likes of Lagavulin and Longrow. This emasculating experience nearly resulted in permanent self-relegation to the deliciously feminine, floral, and fruity Speysiders that I know and love. Undaunted, though, and through the grinding inevitability of time and patience, I managed to unlock the intrinsic qualities of Laphroaig QC.

Ok, enough with the hyperbole.

Nose: a curious mix of industrial and coal smoke, rubber, rich peat, minerals, and saline. The faintest honey whisper emerges as well.

Palate: a rich, mouth-coating whisky. Syrupy sweet arrival that transitions immediately to spice. As the spice fades, as it does rapidly, the phenols kick in. Iodine, peat, minerals, and thick industrial smoke.

Finish: long and smokey. Once imbibed, a cloud of smoke erupts in the mouth, accompanied by the lingering spice and the vestiges of iodine. The spice and smoke linger on.

I was able to appreciate the high intrinsic quality of this whisky once I overcame my initial disdain. Despite this revelation I am still not overly fond of the flavour profile, hence the lower score. While I enjoy peated whisky, especially Lagavulin, I am not keen on the 'directness' of Laphroaig's smoke and the prominence of its medicinal profile. A great whisky, deserving of its esteemed reputation? Absolutely. Just not always my cup of tea.

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