Laphroaig 25 Year Cask Strength (2013 Edition)

Nose and nose again. After 30 minutes of nosing, taste. Add water and it really opens up.

2014 Release Nose - (w/o water) Dark fruity smoke, earth, fruity peppercorns, dark pear cider, spicy dark chocolate (w/ water) Less smoke, more sea air, ripe pears, golden raisins. Taste - (w/o water) White pepper tingle/heat, sweet smoky salty dark pear cider, lightly drying mouthfeel, smoked sweet nuts, golden raisins (w/ water) Oaky, salty, sweet smoke, initial dark raisin sweet quickly transitions to a golden raisin sweet, ripe pears, sweet smokehouse almonds. Finish - (w/o water) Lingering white pepper tingle/heat, very drying, light sea salt smoke lingers, light smoked salted nuts, golden raisins. (w/ water) Gentle warmth, golden raisins, sea spray, light lingering sweet smoke. Score - 89/100 Final Thoughts - I quite liked this the first time I tried it and I like it again this time. Not being a huge peat head, this was quite tasty as the smoke & all of the unpleasant notes I get from younger Laphroaig are mostly tamed after spending 25 years in oak. The sherry notes in this one are more subdued, so I'm not sure if they used refill sherry or a lighter sherry like amontillado/manzanilla because I get more nutty light fruit notes. Regardless, this is quite tasty, gentle smoke, light savory sea salt throughout, nicely balanced. Would I drink it if offered? - Yes Would I specifically order it? - Maybe, pending price Would I buy a bottle? - No, I like it, but not enough to get an entire bottle to myself