Tastes

Restoration is thoroughly enjoyable. While some ryes can be a bit hairy or less composed, Castle and Key manages to keep Restoration clean and tidy. While unexpected, it’s a fun and alluring experience that makes me want to keep this one on the shelf more consistently. Considering some of the magnificent products C&K has released so far, I’m eager for what we’ll be seeing in the next 5-7 years. Well done.

Laphroaig Càirdeas 2022 Warehouse 1 is inviting, adventurous, and does indeed reflect the environment it was birthed out of. I'm immediately mesmerized with the color - it's a luscious white-gold, straw-like and subtle. It's feminine and rich while balancing a pearlescent and soft glow. It almost fools you into thinking this particular dram won't house the standard characteristics of Laphroaig, but you'd be mistaken. This one took me a while to get aquatinted with. The nose is initially a bit harsh, but airing things out a bit goes a long way. After a few minutes, I found vanilla and white chocolate sprinkled about almonds and hay. Taking things a bit further, there was a citrus note, a creamy lemon meringue along side baking spices and gram cracker. Oddly, I also found root vegetables, like carrot and beet, bringing the dram back down to earth, quite literally. A drop release a hint of Fuji apple, wet leaves, and Wilshire pipe tobacco. For this being ages so close to the sea, it's not overtly briny or peaty. Those elements are there, yes, but they don't play first seat. They anchor the Scotch, helping to support all the other key players. As a Laphroaig fan, it's impossible for me not to love this entry. This Scotch is bright and flirtatious, and feels like it shares the elegance of a bride, but a bride willing to jump into the ocean with her gown on. In other words, it's the type of adventure most people are looking for. The palate is lively at first, then seems more like a caress. This Scotch is earthy, dry, and salty. The lemon seems to cut through a bit more here, showcasing dried salted nuts, grass, baking flour/pizza crust, with hint of apricot and nectarine. I got a bit of black pepper, papaya, and tropical dried fruits. Again, waiting a minute or two unearths new tones like moss, grass, aged wood and wet soil. This all culminates in a dry and warm finish. This is anything but fleeting, but it doesn't overstay it's welcome. The back of tongue seems to dance for a bit, salivating to alleviate some of the dryness. One is then left with a less than subtle heat in the chest and throat. It's more a hug than abrasive. Hell, it kind of feels like love. I've had other Càirdeas expressions and while great, if I'm being honest, they are the difference between a great meal while dining out, and a great home cooked meal. This expression feels like being around a table, surrounded by loved ones, laughing, telling stories, and leaving that place with a spirit fuller than you ever thought possible. This is, quite frankly, the best things in life we all hope for, wrapped up in a Scotch package. Well done, Laphroaig!

This was an exceptional rye. It was everything I was hoping for and more. Immense depth and flavor with calculated heat to compliment the plentiful tones and nuances one could detect. I was short on time, but this is a dram I could easily have enjoyed well into the evening. This dram is and absolute must when it’s available and reasonably priced.

This is nicely rounded scotch. It’s not overly complex, but it has some bright and luscious notes of creamy vanilla, florals, and cantaloupe. I’d recommend it for anyone looking for something with decent balance and character.

This cXe doesn't have the complexities or nuances of past expressions, but it does carry the elements it does have with confidence. There's a lot of dried almond, dried apricot, and bread dough, with sweeter elements like sugar cookie, vanilla, and cantaloupe. It's fun and worth checking out if you're in or near WA.

A true delight to drink. It’s just delicious, well balanced, and leaves you wanting more of it.