Tastes

A rich, dry nose with plenty of spice, Christmas cake with a side of dried cherries and cinamon-sprinkled balsamic-stewed apples over a glass of red wine (I'd be inclined to think this was matured in both red wine and sherry casks), almost marred by a slight ethanol note. More of those traditionally sherry notes on the palate, rich, spicy mouth feel with plenty of red fruits, burnt orange peel and the grain showing more prominence, vanilla, oak, rye flour. A barely-medium, dry finish, the grain really coming up in the rear, an interesting blend of aniseed, grapefruit, coffee and coca nibs.

A waxy, floral nose of red plums, tangerines, pears, malted barley and a glimmer of peat. The palate is rather balanced, a delicious dance of sweet, fruit, salt and spice, and a sherry-like note, orange peel, dried raisins and nuts. Somewhat dry, medium finish, walnuts, banana peel, just a good balance of oak, spice and a touch of brine.

A waxy, floral nose of red plums, tangerines, pears, malted barley and a glimmer of peat. The palate is rather balanced, a delicious dance of sweet, fruit, salt and spice, and a sherry-like note, orange peel, dried raisins and nuts. Somewhat dry, medium finish, walnuts, banana peel, just a good balance of oak, spice and a touch of brine.

A delicate, floral nose, with pears, apple juice, a little waxy and just a hint of smoke. The palate is rather creamy but doesn’t bring too much more to the table, vanilla, pickle juice brine, very clean. Rather short finish of malt, the grain finally making an appearance and just a little hot for the ABV.

Golden amber in colour. Sherry and fruitcake, with a little heat on the nose. On the palate? More heat that slightly overpowers the continuation of sherry mixed with raisins, dried fruits and a little oak. An aggressive, delicious dram. Especially at its price!

Oodles of vanilla, toffee and a hint of pine on the nose, which carries through to the palete, melding with caramel, aniseed and a little peppery, really reminiscent of rye bourbon. Medium, rather dry finish (which is surprising for having such a low ABV of 40%) that coats the throat with oaky spices and rye.

Plenty of sherry on the nose, vanilla and a little smokiness sneaking in. On the palate, the sherry roars here, rather oily with a subdued smokiness and dark chocolate. Medium finish, a little spice, pepper and rather nutty.

A really fruity nose, lots of sweet apples and lemon. The fruit carries through to the palete with more apples, a little toffee and possibly a little cloves? A somewhat short finish, bringing a little heat, oak and a nice sweetness to wrap things up. Absolutely no peat, from start to finish.

*NOTE: This is the 40% ABV version* The nose is like you'd expect from an Islay: smokey, damp and seaweed. The palate, although rather thin, brings vanilla, oak and a mix of salt and sweetness to this medicinal-driven journey. Finish was somewhat short and thin, but what lingers is more of the smokiness that Laphroaig is known for. Rather smooth but ends too quick.

Honey, vanilla, floral and a lemoney citrus on the nose, which is replicated on palate, with a little spice replacing the citrus. Short, slightly astringent tea-like finish with, you've guessed it, honey and vanilla and a little oak.