Tastes

Phew.. for a minute there... I lost myself... I can see why it's rated 99. Perfect, and I mean it is a supremely balanced dram. Now that's the deal though... This is the one you want, when you DO seek balance. You want any emphasis of anything like peat, fruit, malt, sweet etc, venture elsewhere, BUT this is the one with *everything*. It reminded me of drinking an Ardbeg Oogie with less peat and smoke, but more of everything else including floral notes. I'll have to tag a 5 star on this bottle, and I am looking forward to trying the Dark Origins I just got today for my vacation next week. Slainte Mhath!

Thank goodness that this is much better than the Double Wood 12. That dram was a bit of a disappointment, but this one has promise. The nose has some nice and deep sweetness to it. Sipped it neat and I got some nice pineapple, coconut, honey, and light syrupy goodness. A couple drops of water isn't necessary, but does quell the alcohol a little, in a nice way. It's a smooth drink but with a short finish. I wish I could give it 3 and a half stars. Thanks to Dreaming of Islay for trading samples.

If you've already read some of my other reviews, you can tell I am a big fan of Ardbeg and Lagavulin. Now, this surprise dram is the one that brings me right back around to considering Laphroaig in my top two, or three. This glass I've heard is quite a divider, especially newer expressions. I've noticed that some are not able to get into the Madeira cask notes here, but I not only get it nicely on the nose, I get it in the palate as well, combined with the lovely peat smack in the face I want from this distillery. I *think* that the key to enjoying this one at its full potential is to LEAVE IT NEAT!! Even at 51.6% ABV, it's a perfect taste without any help. If I am in the mood for a little wine AND that trademark Laphroaig coastal briny mouthful, this is the one I am popping open. Thanks for the sample Dreaming of Islay!

THIS is the one!!! When I had my first sip of this I had to belt out an old fashioned Ric Flair "WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!". My my my my, ok, settling down. Everything I want in a whisky is in this glass. This is my home run. If I could only have one bottle, this is the one I'd drink from this moment on ad infinitum. The nose and palate are supreme. Not only does it have the elements you love from their Uigeadail bottling, it also has an awesome, juicy, fat and peppery filet mignon in there! An ocean full of salty goodness, and deep chocolate covered cherries. To me, it's the perfect balance of sweet meets savory. I cannot say enough good things about this dram. ETERNAL thanks for Dreaming of Islay exchanging some samples with me.

I think it's time I ventured off from my comfort area of Ardbeg, Laphroaig and Lagavulin. Trying not to be prejudice is difficult when you already hear that this is a light whisky, even for an Islay. Let's give it a whirl. Mmm, nice peat and smoke on the nose. I do sense a lemony note, and I hope it's not there too much on the palate. It reminds me of the nose of a Lagavulin 16, with some vegetative notes there, but not as intense. It smells a lot like a cured Virginia ham to me. Taking a "bite"... wow, this is the long, lost, immature cousin of Lagavulin 16, that's a tad younger. Lots of similarities, for sure. Hmm, the only thing disappointing to me is the finish. Short, but I must say a nice smoky and oily flavor. No water is needed for this 43% ABV, and I think it would kill what makes it a nice dram. I am intrgued, and I might have to go looking for that 18. With this bottle costing 75 smackeroos though, I am cringing to see the damage. Thanks to Dreaming of Islay for the sample.

Pairing this one with some bacon wrapped scallops, cheese grits, and cole slaw at Dry 85 speakeasy. You know you're hungry. Anyway! Nose time. Wow, a lot better than the original 10. Dried apricots and honey. Palate neat nice barley, some spice and malt flavors. 46 ABV, let's try a couple drops of uisge! Very nice indeed, but a little rough on the edges. I wish there was a 16 year version of this guy. Finish is little longer than expected at least. I'd call it medium length. Caramel sweet, and a nice mouth coat.

Remember that song Cherry Bomb by The Runaways? Wow, I got smacked by one on the nose, in a nice way. Fruitcake, ginger, nutmeg etc..what a fantastic nose. A few drops are a must at 61% ABV. The palate is a great sweet mouthful and makes me yearn for Christmas time. The finish is just as good, and a long one. If you have ever smoked clove cigarettes, that's a lot like the taste. I haven't smoked in over 5 years, but it tastes sooooo good, and this makes me miss it a little. This was batch 57. Thanks to Dreaming of Islay for the sample.

Wowzers - as Inspector Gadget used to say. Are you looking for that "sweet spot" dram that's between the Lagavulin 16, and the sherry influenced Lagavulin Distillers' Edition? Even though this is by Laphroaig, this MAY be the "droid you're looking for" indeed. Now, I may miss that trademark "earthier" peat at good ole Lagavulin, but hey, this guy dances in between those great bottles. I think this duty free spectacle is underrated.

The nose is surprisingly light compared to other Islay malts. There IS some peat, vanilla, and if I dig in deep, I get some sort of vegetative note in there. It might be the white pepper another gentleman noted. Let's dive in neat, I can't bare to drop anything on 40% ABV. Mmmm! Nice palate. Shockingly more peat and iodine on the palate than anticipated. I gotta go in again... Very close to the 10, but I DO get the slight hint of vanilla. I was scared that it was going to be too much, but I do declare, not so. No earthiness here, so more of a breakfast dram, but no complaints. Reminiscent of the Ardbeg Perpetuum and Lagavulin 8 to me. Enjoy!