Laphroaig pre-warrant 10yr 1990

Side by side : Modern day Laphroaig 10, 3 cl pour vs a 1990 Laphroaig 10 pre-royal warrant. First up: the pre-warrant I had to let it sit out in my glencairn for a good 1/2 hour, seems as if it just needed some breathing space after being bottled up for over 30 years. But once it got some air, the flavors came alive. The peat is muted. More like a 16 or 18yr old. There’s more fruit on the palette, just balanced better than modern era. If I tasted this blind, i would have guessed its a Laphroaig 18. It’s that refined. Next : modern day Laphroaig 10 I let it air out just as long. For apples to apples comparison, even though I literally just bought this bottle yeaterday. Peat is more astringent. More medicinal. Not better or worse. Just different…more specifically comes across younger, harsher, wearing it peat at the forefront. Gone are the orchard fruits. Conclusion: no contest…pre-warrant is more elegant, refined and balanced. Not sure why. Better cask management? Older stock? @ContemplativeFox suggeted maybe some sherry casking? Not sure… maybe @cascode can provide some wisdom