Distillery/Brand: Laphroaig
Region: Islay
ABV: 51.3%
Colour: Young Sauternes
Nose: 22
Taste: 21
Finish: 22
Balance: 22
Review
This is an unusual Laphroaig and I suspect not a terribly successful one. And I mean that only because I hold Laphroaig to very lofty standards. I’m a huge fan of Laphroaig so don’t get me wrong.
Firstly it’s pink. Now I’m not fickle about color but pink is not what I associate with whisky. But let’s move on; it’s just a minor point.
The nose is interesting as it wrestles between it’s signature aromas and the new ones that the portwood is forcing on it. There’s the nice peat and the familiar meat stew that is quite Laphroaig. However, the iodine is missing and it’s replaced by pink melon, red grapefruit, guava and, as my brother pointed out, brown bread. It’s not bad but it can be a little confusing.
The palate is where I feel it does not deliver to it’s full potential. There is first the smoky barbeque with a pinch of turmeric. Then a hastily arranged basket of berries and red plums. It’s a muddle really but to be fair it’s not disastrous.
The medium finish has a touch of oaky mint and spice.
I suspect this one will have two camps. The ones who love it and the ones who hate it. And to court controversies from both I have decided to plant my self right in the middle.
Rating: 87
The Malt Activist 
For Laphroaig lovers the split is probably likely to between the ‘lovers’ and those who see it about like you do. For non-Laphroaig fans the split it likely to be between those who like it better than the standard Laphroaig ‘house-style’, because Cairdeas Port Wine lessens the medicinal element, and those who don’t like it much because it still tastes a lot like smoky-peaty Islay Laphroaig. I haven’t opened my bottle yet to taste it. @Victor from Connosr
I’d be very interested in what you think about it.
And you’re probably dead on about the split.
To each their own and for me, this was the BEST whisky of 2013 hands down! Incredibly successful, complex, sweet awesomeness and thought the port finish worked seamlessly with the Laphroaig spirit. One of my top 3 favorite Laphroaig’s of time, I get enough of this. Glad I bought 4 bottles and still have 2 left. Looking forward to the 2014 release, will be delivered this Friday!
You’re right Chad, to each their own! I really liked the 2014. Let me know what you think of it when it arrives. Cheers for stopping by!