Laphroaig Lore

Bigass Laphroiag peat and then a sherry slightly sweet and booty finish. A great, 2 part scotch.

Lore is somewhat controversial among longtime lovers of the distillery who see it as a harbinger of an uncertain future. Laphroaig has gradually eliminated its age statement offers besides the flagship 10-year offering. The 15 went the way of the dinosaur, came back as a special release in 2015, and now is gone again. The 18 followed last year, so it’s still available in some places but no longer being produced. The successor to Laphroaig 18, in price at least, is Lore, which has no age statement but commands a hefty $100-125. Happily, it does a credible job of justifying that bill, although I’d advise real fans to stick to the cheaper and punchier Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength. Lore is an example of no-age-statement whisky done right. The heavy smoke and brine that wafts of the glass is enticing. While that powerful peat likely comes from young liquid, Laphroaig has selected or balanced the other components to mask any of the downside of that less refined scotch. The richness of the palate, which has a pecan pie quality combined with caramel or toffee notes that reminded me of a bourbon, is first-rate. Blackberries and other dark fruits delight the tongue while that smoke prevents it from becoming saccharine. Strong kick at the finish: smoke, brine, cocoa nibs. The marriage of different woods here produces a best-of-both-worlds effect rather than the master-of-none mediocrity of Select. If you purchased and blended together Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength and PX Cask, I suspect you'd get something close to Lore.

This is a great whisky. A rich mahogany profile advertises an interesting combination of first-fill bourbon and sherry wood influences. The 48% ABV does nothing to inhibit a lavishly elegant nose produced by way of both American and European oak. These strains plied the spirit, in some ratio, for 7 to 21 years, and quarter-cask components were also part of the mix. Along with this dizzying harmonization of wood tannins, a light campfire smoke also permeates mixed with the sweet aroma of malted barley and a replication of scents experienced recently at the Laphroaig distillery when standing in their kiln and looking up through the blackened rafters which form its pagoda roof chimney. The palate opens incredibly smooth with more light smoke blended with flavors of vanilla, almonds, raisins, and bakery goods all enhanced by the fresh salt air of a seaside festival. No water is necessary despite the hefty proof. The finish is rich, dry and satisfying with the assurance of a whisky masterfully crafted to celebrate 200 years of artistry in spirit making. Hopefully, the new Japanese landlords will continue to hold onto this successful formula and only add their expertise in whisky making and marketing where necessary. A solid 4.25 stars.