Laphroaig Brodir

Loved it!

Laphroaig tasting evening, Sydney, 26 September 2018. Whiskey #6. Nose: Rose and honey. Raisins simmered in port and brandy - a hefty and full aroma. Strong port wine, almost like port wine jelly. The smoke takes a back seat, but it’s there all right, as is a hint of the trademark Laphroaig iodine, but it’s occluded. There is a deep musky note tinged with oak sitting behind everything. Palate: Velvety smooth arrival. Raisins and smoke in abundance, strawberry compote, blackberry jam, orange syrup, rancio. A rather thick texture, but not oily. It’s flavourful but on the braggadocio side and heavy-handed. Finish: Medium. The smoke persists in the finish. It’s a boldly sweet nose and the port finish obscures the smoke at first. Peat-reek is present, however, as a powerful foundation and once it starts to unfold it keeps on coming. Unlike many smoky whiskies there is no trace of a plastic-peat note on this at all. On the first tasting I found this whisky agreeably sweet, friendly and easy to drink but with each successive nose and sip it became a little less engaging. Something about the profile didn't appeal to me and eventually I realized that I was not sensing any distillery character at all in this whisky. The heavy port finish blankets everything and the Laphroaig heritage is nowhere to be seen - this could be a smoky distillate from any distillery. There was a port-finished Cairdeas a few yeas ago that was exceptional – sprightly, balanced and complex. This comes across as a less competent version of that. It is well made but I can’t imagine ever buying a bottle, particularly given the price. “Above Average” : 82/100 (3.25 stars)