Laphroaig 10 Year Cask Strength (Batch 1)

Holy campfire batman. Being a huge lover of Islay based malts, it still shocks me at how much the smoke punches you square in the face especially with Laphroaig. Having batch #10, the abv of 568% will certainly keep those faint of heart away from this, but thankfully most of us are not of the faint of heart and adore whisky that comes straight outta the cask. On the nose: you get the usual beach side campfire that one would expect from a Laphroaig of any kind, but pour a touch of Usiage source Islay water, the character completely changes. Now there is a candy like sweetness that smells of orange peels and tang of pears. Down the hatch: Happy to report that I can still see and to my surprise, with such a heavy ABV, there was virtually no heat one would expect from a 10 year old malt. Campfire as per usual punches you right in the face, but the finish is verrrrrry long and starts revealing lots of sea spray with a light sweetness that starts rearing itself once you pass the swallow. Not much fruit on the palette, but definitely worth a drop of water. After taste is long with the lingering iodine which I can't get enough of and reminds of of Lagavuilin. Must be a Port Ellen thing. Such a kick ass malt and so glad i found a bottle.

Tasting notes are for batch 011. Nose: smoke, peat, seaweed/brine, vanilla, and a hint of sweetness lurking behind everything. Slight medicinal notes as well. Nothing unpleasant about it. The first time I smelled this whiskey, I got some notes of tropical fruit, maybe pineapple. But, I didn't get it again. Mouth: oily, viscous, feels great in your mouth. The smoke and Ash comes to the forefront here. If you like peat, this is your whiskey! If you wait long enough, the sweetness and vanilla lurking in the nose start to come out. They are still fairly muted, but present. Finish: lonnnnnng finish. some spice and plenty of smoke. Feels like I ate a peppery brisket that has been smoked for the entire day. I also paired this at one point with some medium blue cheese. Quite the combination! I recommend it, as it brought out the non-peated elements of this whiskey, such as the sweetness, fruit and floral notes, and vanilla much more prominently. I have a bottle of this and would gladly buy this again.

$18 pour at a bar, neat in a rocks glass, 59.9% abv, 119.8 proof Holy campfire! This is wood ash doused with vodka in a glass, and I love it! I've never had Laphroaig, but I've had Ardbeg cask strength so I'm familiar with the profile. Since the 10Y Cask Strength is not readily available in ABC stores, I thought $18 was a good price for a pour. I think this was more medicinal and ashy than Ardbeg. The proof and peat forced me to drink this slowly, which was highly enjoyable. I think I'll be picking up a Laphroaig next time it's on sale.

This is an amazing whiskey

If you're even remotely interested in Islay whisky, you simply must try this. It will change your life and forever move the goalposts you use to compare all others.