Laphroaig Càirdeas 2022 Warehouse 1

I’m not normally fond of Laphroaig, but this was offered at break-even price, so I gave it a try. This is better than the 10; the Maker’s Mark barreling helped soften the medicinal flavor. The sweeter profile doesn’t exactly work with the smoke, but it doesn’t fight it, either.

The nose is tar, seaweed, smoke. On the tongue, I get white peppercorn, lots of salt, smoked fish, cured salted pork. It's like a rolling smoke cloud mixed with surf. I also get a hint of sweetness, a slight bit of salted caramel. I feel like I have a mouthful of rock salt with smoke blowing through it. Enjoyable with a long smokey, peaty, salty finish. This definitely will be too salty for some. I am a great lover of Laphroaig - I have Cairdeas from the previous 5 or 6 years. This is a good education for a real lover of Laphroaig, but probably not the best choice for broad appeal, except for true halophiles.

Nose: sea air, smoke, cherries, oysters Mouth: strong salt, seaside oils, smoked fish, campfire, peach and hay undertones Finish: seaweed, butterscotch, a little dry It's very different from the last few Cairdeas releases, but very much a Laphroaig. Resembles a longer aged scotch with fewer nuances - light on the stone fruit, peat of expect from an aged Laphroaig. I can see the salt/brine being too much for some. It's different, but I like it. Mixing up the amount of water I add to reassess, a few drops to a splash based on the proof. It is growing on me.

Too salty Nose: Smoke, Vanilla, Cherries, Peaches, Marshmallows, Golden Syrup, Pineapples Palate: Smoke, Iodine, Sea Salt, Ham, Vanilla, Oranges, Beef Ribs Finish: Smoke, Salted Caramel, Coal, Barbecue Beef Ribs, Ham