New Laphroaig 18?

[talisker10]

Does anyone know when/if the new Laphroaig 18 will be available in the U.S.? Can't wait to try it if I can.

[jazz lover]

I believe Malt Advocate stated July/August 08
That maybe in the U.K , I'm still waiting also...

[LagaDrinker]

I believe Malt Advocate stated July/August 08
That maybe in the U.K , I'm still waiting also...

Do you mean 09?

[jazz lover]

No. John wrote that the 15 will be replaced
by the 18 in the U.S in 08' . (??)

[talisker10]

Hmm..yeah I can see why you have the ?? about '08 as my Friends of Laphroaig newsletter (it stinks that since I live in the U.S. I can't get any benefit out of the membership other than info) said that it is just now going to be released, and I assume that's UK only at the start. I was disappointed by the 15, so I am hoping the 18 will be more intense.

[LagaDrinker]

Well if its out in some places already I hope we get it soon

[upright]

Well we never had the 15 in South africa, so im hoping.

[Leorin]

I got a sample of the new 18 y.o. today.
I will post my impressions later.
Maybe I'll do a vertical with the 15 and the new 25 c.s. or the 10 y.o.

[talisker10]

Thanks Leorin. BTW I think the 15 would have been much better as a Cask Strength. Glad to see the 18 comes in at 48% ABV and non-chill filtered like the QC.

[Leorin]

I have the 15 and the 18 right in front of me now.
The comparison is quite difficult for me as both drams have a lot in common.
But in the 18 I get an aroma of smoked fish in oil that's not in the 15. The new expression is very maritime with seaweed and iodine and I think there's a hint of roasted espresso.
In the mouth it starts almost silky and elegant and it takes a while before the typical medicinal taste, peat and a certain spiciness appear.
The 48% alc. make the 18 y.o. somehow more expressive and more complex than the 15 y.o. .
The finish is rather long and mainly smoky or tarry
I think that this one is a dignified replacement for the 15 y.o.

[talisker10]

Thanks a bunch, Leorin! Sounds like that's going to be something I will like.

[Jimmy321]

Many years ago Laph 15 was my dram of choice but at some point it went down hill, I hope the 18 will be more old school.

[talisker10]

Yeah I had a dram of an older Laph 15 in Sweden. It was very good. After I got home I bought a bottle (never bottling) and it was a bit disappointing, so I am glad the 18 seems to be more robust.