Tastes

On the nose, I love the dark phenolic notes. It really blends itself that there is a wine influence here. The smoke and peat are subtle, like they don’t want you to forget it’s Laphroaig but it’s not a big part of the overall experience. The palette for me is strong alcohol (52%) initially, but it gives way to a dark red berry - probably fermented grape if I had to guess haha - then opens up into the signature Islay flavor that we love so much. The flavors sits prominently in the back top of my throat. There’s hints of a nut, maybe the almonds I had earlier are bringing that forward. Finish is delightful, consistent on the berry flavors and makes me feel like I drank raspberry juice with the acidity that sets up shack. A sweet overlay of grassiness, like basil, floats among the texture too. Overall? Special Laphroaig is always worth it. Their Cairdeas expressions are gorgeous, will definitely buy another should I come across one.

This is a dram I have been wanting but had not pulled the trigger yet. I decided to do so on a whim today. Nose: the nose is floral, small bit of peat smoke dancing around the body of the spirit. Kind of like a Speyside in a way to me. I get some nuttiness like pecans and pears mixing together to make the brunt of it. At 48% the ethanol doesn’t overpower anything Palate: I’m going to compare to an Ardbeg expression, which are my favorite. Slightly reminiscent of the 10 year, but thinner, and doesn’t sit in the mouth as long as some other oilier malts. Flavor is bold but not outrageous, again those floral and almost grassy notes seem to flirt around and appear like wisps of smoke. Speaking of smoke, very manageable in that department, pleasantly Islay. Would definitely buy again, and makes me even more intrigued to spend the buck on the Lag 16.

Nose: medium heaviness, just a bit of warm honey mixed with oakiness. Floral notes float about but don’t take a prominent stance in the aroma. I hesitate to say I smelt something akin to parsley in the smell too, slightly bitter but not overpowering. Palette: not a very robust flavor. I am usually more inclined toward Islay scotch and this lacks the oily, thick mouthfeel. Doesn’t linger very long either afterward, just giving a quick couple shots in the ring of oak, small bit of smoke at the tale end, and spiced pears. Final thoughts: Was always hesitant to pick a bottle of this up, I always saw it in the stores and the only thing I had heard of Jura was “a marketing company that makes whisky.” While I have come to believe that statement to be false, I don’t believe it was an extraordinary whisky by any means. Probably won’t grab another bottle of this expression but I’m open to their other offerings.

First off, I’m a HUGE Ardbeg fan. This dram is just another reason to be. Look - beautiful light amber color, like apple juice. Slow thin legs as I expect from an oily scotch like this. They don’t disappoint. Nose - the most predominant aroma is that of lightly smoked meats, like a salami or a prosciutto, and it is accompanied by a beautiful, round sweetness like warm chocolate. Something sharp hides just out of sight, maybe a spice of some sort that I can’t identify. Alcohol isn’t overwhelming at around 47% but you can’t discard its presence. Taste - opens up very softly, not as rash as I would have figured from such a young whisky. Saltiness and the ocean greenery clash suddenly and dominate the tongue, I’ve never had seaweed but this is what I imagine it would taste like. Disappears slowly, fantastic mouth feel - not too thick but not fleeting - then dissipates into something slightly floral. Overall - a very good purchase. Potentially a good introduction to the bold flavor profile of Ardbeg expressions. Reasonably priced as well! Though I’m from Alabama so anything not from a package store is usually well priced. Will definitely ask my local store to keep these on the shelf!

Purchased this on a whim while in TN last weekend. Nose: beautiful cocoa nose with a hint of citrus and something akin to cherry (sharpness, might be the chocolate flavor). Brings to mind the chocolate orange slice candy I occasionally had as a child. Little bit of a floral note sprinkled on top of everything too. Tasting: floral on the front, something spicy (some tastes have mentioned ginger but I’m not terribly familiar with that flavor) follows and then it opens up to something like cinnamon mixed with water - very subtle flavor. The finish isn’t very long and doesn’t hang around. Overall not bad! I am more of an Islay guy but in terms of a good sipper this will do. Doesn’t quite get to Speyside characteristics (my least favorite region) but has just enough of the maltiness and a touch of the barrel/oakiness to be a good level of brazen.

I love EC, but this one hits just a little too hard for me. To its credit I am more of a scotch guy but there lacks a depth in flavor for this one for me at such a high proof. It has a brilliant nose, so much of the notes that you get off standard EC but with the heat turned up a few notches. You get a good introduction to a “this is high proof bourbon” statement. The flavors get lost in the proofing after that. I get a taste that is slightly reminiscent of bile in my mouth after I’ve swallowed. Now it is brought into manageable play with a couple ice cubes but I prefer my drams neat most times.

Nose: initial delicious briny nose that leads to a full and floral body. The peat that makes it so enticing floats around that whole aroma. The more it airs out the more I get if a bitterness akin to dark chocolate without the sweetness to follow. Taste: Beautiful, full mouth feel that coats my tongue. It starts out very light, most likely the alcohol vapors filling my mouth up then moves to something smoky. Also the quickest most delightful heat right before it just hangs out on the tongue. Flavors for me included something herbal yet savory, maybe like a cinnamon without the spice. Couldn’t quite place it. Overall: 4 stars. Love Islay scotch and Laphroaig is one of my favorites after the Quarter Cask. Would definitely recommend, but not for the tame.

Budget scotch. Reminiscent of what I personally associate with Speysides, so a little too floral for my tastes. That being said I appreciate the initial smokiness presented, probably because I prefer Islay scotch. Nose gives a light smoke character, with heavy presence of a sweetness like honey without the edge. Full bodied until you bring it to your lips, then it’s rather thin but consistent. Not a lot of mouth feel. Finish is extremely floral and short with little to no alcohol burn.

Delectable nose, gives me hints of rosé or something else sweet. Very approachable on the tongue. Sweetness is pulled to the front again, now with more of white fleshed fruit and something like caramel. Finish is fleeting but leaves me wanting more.