I really want to be harsh in my reviews but i am a man who recognizes a work of art. Laphroaig make a lot of them, and this "Lore" version is no exception.
After tasting it i went to its website because i had a sample of this and needed to know more and i found this:
"Laphroaig Lore is drawn from a variety of casks including first-fill bourbon barrels, quarter casks and Oloroso sherry hogsheads to create a unique richness."
Lore means knowledge passed through generations. And trust me, they deliver a perfect dram.
Bottled at 48%abv, with an amontillado sherry color.
On the nose is one of those Laphroaig wonders, not tennis balls this time but SWEATY SOCKS. yep, it was an instant note, easy to detect. More notes on the nose were the obvious Peatyness, sea weed, prunes, ashes, a sense of seafood spicyness and icyness. Truly an interesting dram. 24/25 on the nose.
On the palate it has only a handful of notes, but it was SUBLIME. It is an instant, but pleasant, SPICE BOMB. such a beauty, mouth watering. Chilli is very clear as a note here. Tangerines, spiciness, peanutbutter cream, spiciness, ashes and spiciness, SPICINESS SPICINESS but pleasant, delicious.
The aftertaste is medium-long with chilli and a dim hotness. BUT SO PLEASANT.
Overall i give this marvelous dram a 99 over 100 and i absolutely recommend it.