Laphroaig Quarter Cask
48% ABV - Islay, Scotland
Nose: It is slightly phenolic with medicinal peat smoke – okay, maybe more than “slightly”, aromas of roasted nuts and toffee, and tropical fruit hints in the background.
Taste: Wet, earthy peat, heavy smoke, and wet wood, with a sweetness, and roasted coffee or espresso leading into the finish.
Finish: Lasting charcoal, medicinal wafts, and the tropical fruits come back to say goodbye!
Laphroaig Quarter Cask. An endearing malt to many; the favourite of the bunch or best of the core range some will say. I think it is indeed a very delicious dram, but I place the Laphroaig 10 and Laphroaig Select both slightly above. In part because of the cost/value equation, but a larger part for their green and tropical fruit flavours that I was left searching for in the Quarter Cask.
However, make no mistake, this bottling is an excellent complement to the core range - it is the peatiest Laphroaig! To look at comparable bottlings, the Ardbeg 10 is in the same league - and probably some expression of Lagavulin, but (surprisingly?) I have not explored that brand in too much detail… I purchased the Quarter Cask on sale, and I think it was worth it - I’m happy to have a bottle on hand to share with my malt mates. Will I purchase it again? Most likely. I’ve found a few shops with dusty old labels (2013 or older) that might be fun to see how the batch has changed over time... But I feel there’ll be a few other bottles bought in between now and then.
As an aside, I am a big fan of Douglas Laing’s Big Peat range. Some of the medicinal wafts I get on the nose, and the sweeter, earthy peat, reminds me of those bottles – I wouldn’t be surprised if they used a larger portion of Laphroaig in that blend! (Check out my reviews of the Big Peat Christmas Edition 2017 and Big Peat Christmas Edition 2018.)
Tasting Notes (Official): Nose: Burning embers of peat in a crofter's fireplace, hints of coconut and banana aromas. Palate: Deep, complex and smoky yet offers and surprises the palate with a gentle sweetness. Finish: Really long, and dries appropriately with smoke and spice.
Details: Lot Code: L73421B1
Tasted 24 June 2019, 7 July 2019. (Posted 7 July 2019.)
