Laphroaig Càirdeas 2017 Cask Strength Quarter Cask Edition

At over 110 proof this is one of those kick you in the ass kind of whisky. Strong flavors of smoke, oak, malt honey and medicinal notes. Great scotch if you like strong peaty whisky.

A strong and powerful nose. Nice peat expression that comes through those American oak and bourbon casks. Bright leather notes, brown apple, pottery clay, sugary soda (a bid like cherry coke), no rubber on this Laphroaig but the fresh bandage quality for sure. The palate is intense. Laphroaig at cask strength - man, that has got something to offer. Lemon juice with some nice bitters, cherries again this time with bright milk chocolate, surprisingly smooth and very silky on the tongue. Then a spicy pepper is added along the signature peat ice-breaker. Strong and defined. Very nice. The finish is roasted aromas and crystal salt flakes, again I’m getting cherries (must be a momentarily thing), wood and barbecue peat. The salty aspect is awesome in combination with the mature feeling sweetness. This has been my favorite Laphroaig to date.

Nose: earthy peat, sweet hard to place, oak. Malted nuts. Body: medium to full Palate: spicey, tobacco smoke Finish: long smoke Note: nice but wouldn’t buy it. A taste with Anne and John.

Laphroaig Cairdeas 2017 Cask Strength Quarter Cask may be the first Cairdeas line that actually disappoints. The regular Quarter Cask Laphroaig was actually my entry point into peated scotches and, as such, has been a perennial favorite, an old friend. I've had the dram numerous times and, naturally, had high expectations for the cask strength variation. Nose is meringue with soft vanilla, restrained peat, heather, Bisquick, and tapioca. Overall, it isn't all that eventful. The palate steps up: moderate brine, campfire smoke, seaweed, citrus cleaner, and a fading hospital rubber on the finish which sticks to the smoke and brine. There is a bit of ash and it is, indeed, quite smooth. However, the flavor complexity just isn't there. Nor does the finish linger for days like the regular Quarter Cask. Addition of water doesn't open it up much either. It somehow, strangely, has less pizzazz than the bottling that has been cut!