Tastes

Age does not a fine whisky make. Really not. Considering how much I've enjoyed some of this distillery's other expressions (the 15, the 105), I was not expecting the 30-year-old to negatively perplex me the way it did. The nose underperforms, though with enough effort you can tease out some touches of sherry and ethereal. The palate on the other hand is much more complex, as notes of walnut and fruitcake surface. Unfortunately, it's here that a problematic aroma competes with the more pleasant notes - a bitterness I can only describe as dark chocolate gone bad, coupled with a certain sulfurous flavor that makes me question the quality of the casks. It's too bad, and hey maybe it's me, but I did not enjoy this expression.

This is some really good stuff, and a highly complex palate makes up for a subdued nose. There are aromas of ginger and nuts with a touch of spring blossom and dark chocolate. It's all really well balanced and full to the mouth, with a long and smooth finish. I highly recommend!

This is unfortunately a downgrade from both the 12 and 14-year-old Twin Woods. It just isn't that great. The nose is especially most peculiar, because its strange combination of oak and raisins creates the false impression that you're having a rye whisky. The palate has more pronounced notes of those raisins coupled with nuts. The body is flat and the finish terribly short. In sum: largely forgettable.

Very good whisky, though I'm frankly surprised it's described as a peated expression. In PPM value, I would have to describe it as -2. It's barely even there. That said, it all comes together really nice: some walnut, a touch of lemon zest, some spice. And at 46% ABV you really get something that has great mouthfeel. I recommend if you can get your hands on a bottle.

Wow, my 300th review... Does this make me an enthusiast, a connoisseur, or someone who needs to get a life? Regardless I LOVE WHISKY and I liked this expression. It's a little flawed, the way some of the notes just don't come together nicely, but I appreciate the craft behind its making and the end result is pleasant. The nose has wonderful hints of apple juice and oak (much more bourbon than sherry), with a very faint note of honey. The palate is full and savory thanks to its 51% ABV, and the finish is smooth and long-lasting. Good stuff.

On the fence on this one - it has its high moments and its pit of the earth moments. There are pleasant notes of coffee with bitter dark chocolate, and then suddenly that bitterness over-extends its stay all the way towards a finish you actually which was shorter than it really is. The nose is best described as wet hay, which I guess is a good thing if that's your thing. And if you like unripe apples, you're more the merrier. As for me, I'm just sad.

I should first get out of the way the fact that this whisky's white wine color is striking, and not in a good way. Is this thing 3 weeks old? Despite that, the nose is actually wonderful and refreshing, with its combination of key lime, barley (white ale beer) and peat. The palate adds some smoke and at 57% ABV needs some water to tame, but man is this good. Even the finish is a success, with its long and savory finish. Call me crazy, but my spidey senses tell me this whisky is suspiciously reminiscent of the Caol Ila 12. Recommended!

Kinda hard to share my two cents when this whisky lacks so much personality. It isn't bad - it just isn't much of anything. In fact it's actually unfortunate just how much the barrels have stripped this expression of the quintessential Laphroaig character. There's a touch of medicine here, but overall it's predominantly smoke and wood. There may also be hints of caramel, apricots and raisin, but honestly, I'm being generous. This was ok.

Good, but terribly fragile despite being 46% ABV. I suspect adding water would render this whisky flavorless. There's apples, some honey and malted barley on the nose, with a generous dose of cinnamon on the nose. Think apple pie and if that's you're thing, so will this whisky. Cheers!

This is really good whiskey - well put together. The nose has subtle hints of prunes and anise, with a floral quality I can't put my finger on but really enjoy. The mouthfeel is robust and full, and the palate has added notes of espresso coffee and nutmeg. The finish is long and delicious, yet dry, and a little bit of water here goes a long way. This is a better expression than the 15.