Laphroaig Quarter Cask

Tasted in Whisky Magazine Issue 47 by Martine Nouet and Dave Broom.

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Tasting Notes

Martine Nouet Nose Rich heavy nose with a vague floral touch (lilac?). Chestnut purée, white chocolate. A huge whiff of smoke emerges. Develops on toffee. Palate Smooth for the strength. Good grip. Water rounds it up. Creamy with an ashy dryness. Smoky. Finish Toffeish with a spicy burst. Smoke lingers. Comment Seems to hesitate between sweetness and dryness. Give it time to open, you will not regret it.

Dave Broom Nose Maritime. Kipper-like, orange peel thrown on a barbecue, peat oil, tar, slightly sooty. Ever changing mix of dry, perfumed and sweet. Palate Starts soft and fruity, then peat. Medicinal peatiness balanced by caramelised sweetness. Finish Oatcake. Comment Expansive and complex. The balance and complexity gives it the edge over the other Islay.