Tastes

At first, I get some custard and licorice on the nose, but it becomes fruitier and softer as it airs. Just a wisp of sea breeze with some salted caramel. One of the best aromas I've had the pleasure of enjoying on any spirit. The palate is syrupy, fruity, with a hint of seaweed, some creme brulee, baklava, and a wisp of smoke. There's a slight grassiness that largely dissipates with air, and it tastes better and better as it breathes. I'd probably rate this a 96 or so on a 100 point scale - it may not be the best thing possible, but it managed to meet or exceed my very lofty expectations. Had the option of getting Book 4 instead, but went with this because I was worried a sherry finish could mask character of a 33 year aged Laphroiag, and I think it was the right call.

2nd new addition to the Laphroaig collection - immediately I get a lot of caramel, vanilla, apple on the nose, with a little iodine that dissipates with air. The palate has some caramel, custard, moss, kippers, smoke. Pretty solid offering, think I slightly prefer it to Lore - the use of first-fill bourbon barrels has an obvious impact.

Drove way out of my way to get this (and a couple other goodies) because for some reason it hasn't made its way here... the nose is sweet and fruity, with honey, vanilla, peach, papaya, and almost none of the signature Laphroaig iodine. Fruity palate, peach, grape, caramel, cured meat, hint of salt, with the smoke finally becoming more prominent on the finish. Rich, but without the tannins and bitterness of sherry cask Laphroaigs.

On the nose I get some berries, pound cake, a salted caramel, and generally a lot of influence from the wine. Palate is a little more all over the place, with some prune, dates, caramel, balsamic, and something a little herbal on the finish. Through that a light wisp of smoke persists in the background. The nose on this is great, and it's got a pretty nice, thick mouthfeel despite being "only" 48-ish abv. Reading reviews on it, it seems I like this more than most, although it I suspect the price influenced peoples' perception (although Local Barley costs just as much now...).

r/scotch selection. Just killed the bottle... Sweet peat, pear, caramel on the nose. Peat, bbq palate, fruity, earthy, a little hot. Finish a little dry and bitter, with some dark fruits in the background. Has some interesting flavors that make me want to keep coming back to it, but definitely benefits from a few drops of water.