Distillery/Brand: Laphroaig
Region: Islay
ABV: 48%
Colour: Pale Straw
Nose: 23
Taste: 24
Finish: 23
Balance: 24
Review
Here I go trying to review a gem that’s been put through it’s paces and come out in spades. But who cares?
The Quarter Cask is a stroke of Laphroigian genius!
Familiar Islay aromas creep out from my snifter glass as I try and keep pace with a barrage of sensory fireworks. A damp, musty muscovado fruitiness is the first thing that arrests your senses. And then nestled within the woody nuts lies the unmistakable smoky peat which is covered in a thick layer of honey, sausages, wood varnish and old cardboard cartons.
Don’t look at me like that! You know what I mean….
The full bodied palate is succulent honeycomb and nuts with something a touch bitter to give it a layer of mysteriousness. The citrusy sugars stand up with aplomb as the peppery spices cascade in to gently caress your taste buds.
A long and dry oaky finish rounds of one of the best 30 seconds malting experiences of my malting career.
Rating: 94