Laphroaig 18 Year

Excellence but similar if memory serves me to laphroaig 16 which is cheaper and more readily available in the US

Laphroaig 18 48% NCF, Natural Color  Laphroaig is a love-hate relationship for me.  When they actually make an effort they are excellent (Lap 10 CS, older Lap QC, Cairdeas 2015 and the wine cask finishes, the now defunct 15yr, and this now defunct 18yr).  On the other hand, they release some overly branded crap to the market which is really a shame because their whisky is excellent when treated right.  Also - I have experienced only a few indy Laffies and they have been excellent - one of them as young as 5yrs old. Anyway on to this one - the now defunct 18yr.   Smell - Typical Laphroaig but slightly tame, mild iodine, peat smoke, vanilla, spice, oak.  Mild medicinal. Basically, all of the normal Laphroaig characteristics but refined/mellowed out.  They are all present but deeper and richer. Taste - Sweet peat, vanilla, clove spice, almond, seaweed, light smoke, heavy, oily, and thick.  Just excellent.  You can really taste the full bourbon cask maturation.   Finish -  Barley Sugar, Ash, Seaweed, smoke, almond, hazelnut, oak, spice and vanilla. It’s really a shame that Laphroaig discontinued this excellent whisky.  If you can find this I would suggest getting it but you will pay a premium. Either way - get it if you can, it’s an excellent version of a Laphroaig that isn’t available anymore.   Overall Grade: A

Smoked cheese, smoked sausage, iodine, old garage smells, leather, dirt on the nose. Super smooth and rich.