Laphroaig 10 Year Cask Strength (Batch 1)

peated

Batch 007 - Drinking Laphroaig is kind of like getting into a fight with an angry Scotsman. But drinking cask-strength Laphroaig is more like getting into a fight with an angry Scotsman on steroids and speed. At 56.3%, Batch 007 is a few ticks lower than the strongest batches, but still plenty strong. Even from a foot away, or holding it in hand while standing around, it's easy to pick up the top notes: BBQ lighter fluid and charcoal smoke, coral or seashells dried in the sun, seaweed, and, after a long while, vanilla as it settles down. Compared to Ardbeg and (non-sherry aged) Lagavulin, Laphroaig's distinguishing characteristic is a much lower level of lemon-lime citrus fruit. Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength has a magical palate. It begins with a sweet entry, immediately followed by so much brine and iodine that it feels like dipping your head in the ocean with a mouth full of hard candies. Subsequent sips reveal pickled peppers, some tart fruit or orange creamsicle, bourbon-esque toffee, and flecks of chocolate. Through every sip, waves and waves of smoke drift around. Even in its texture, this scotch wrestles with the drinker, epitomizing what people mean when they say a whisky has an oily mouthfeel. There's a flavorful heat to the end, akin to shisito peppers, balanced by mint, dark chocolate, and a strong oak backbone. Because of the high proof it can feel mildly anesthetizing, so be ready to ride the tiger with this scotch. At $70, Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength is a spectacular value.

Oh, yes, oh yes! Tasted in distillery.