Laphroaig 15-Year
43% ABV - Islay, Scotland
Nose: It is initially very light – which is deceiving, because give it a minute in the glass for each year in the cask and it opens right up. Earthy, oily, peat, and light tarry aromas. Very light fruit, and slight musty wood.
Taste: Whether you waited or not, there is strong ash and smoke with wood, citrus, spices, lime or mint, and lighter tropical to soft orchard fruits.
Finish: Ending with clove, spices – maybe ginger and cinnamon, but definitely an undertone of dense vegetal peat. Smoke fades slowly.
Oh, how it is so very important to never write notes for a whisky before getting to know it through a dram or two first! When I first opened this Laphroaig I was very underwhelmed. Tasting it now is a very different experience – possible, however, that is due in part to having recently attend a few tastings in the last few days!
Nonetheless, Laphroaig 15 delivers a surprisingly smooth and tame nose. Very light smokey elements are dominant until you sip and feel the stronger, peatier qualities emerge. This whisky tastes true to the younger expressions and is just remarkably refined. The light fruity notes are a treat, and the finish lasts.
In the past year I have acquired quite a few expressions – both original and independent bottlings – and look forward to opening and comparing flavours. One of my “New Year’s Resolutions” (if I can call it that) will be reacquainting myself with some of the core range bottles, specifically the Quarter Cask and Triple Wood. I will be staying a Friend of Laphroaig for the foreseeable future!
2015 Cairdeas Limited Edition. Tasted 26 November 2018. (Posted 28 November 2018.)
