Laphroaig Quarter Cask

Nose: Oak, dried fruit essence, and a pleasing nuttiness. The nose is quite enjoyable on this scotch.

Palate: bitter oak dominates with some hot chillis, while the background is occupied by toasted barley grains. There is also a presence of cola and cream soda lurking in the background. to me, the palate disappoints.

Finish: Medium length with more bitter oak, leathery aged cigar wrapper, dried cherries, and prunes.

How does this one compare to the Laphroaig 10, the Cask Strength 10,and the 18? Not well, I'm afraid, and I know a lot of very reputable and experienced whisky connosrs will disagree with me. However, be this as it may, I am posting my review for the record: I feel that QC is over-rated as a scotch and this fad with pass with time, which tends to even out the kinks, so to speak. To me, QC simply does not have a favorable balance due to bitter oaky domination in the mouth.

Do I even like it the QC? Honestly, no. And I seem to like it even worse than I did six months ago.

Do I like the other Laphroaig offerings? Yes, I do and I always have, especially the cask strength batches. I am quite partial to them, and I also appreciate the understated charm of the 18.

I do not always opt for youthful bombast over sophistication, even in a heavily peated Islay whisky. For example, I prefer the PC8 over the PC7. With Ardbegs, I'll take the Uigeadale over the Alligator or the Corryvreckan any eve of the week.

As for Laphroaig, the 18 is a nice dram indeed, despite the fact that, for the money, I am a "cask strength" man.

Cask strength 10 also blends quite well with Glenfarclas 12 year for a charming vatting that visiting company in one's home will often enjoy.

In Oregon, the Glenfarclas 12 is one of the best buys on the shelves these days at $41 a bottle when Highland Park 12 is up around $49 now. Is eight dollars a make or break factor? No, certainly not, and the Highland Park also vats up nicely with half one half to one quarter of Laphroaig Cask Strength. I really am partial to the CS 10 Batch 003.

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