Laphroaig PX Cask

Thanks to Telex for the sample! PX Cask strikes me as Laphroaig's answer to Ardbeg's ultra-popular and critically acclaimed Uigeadail.  The ABV is a few percentage points lower, so it's a milder dram, but otherwise my notes are very similar.  The nose is replete with sticky sweet sherry notes, cherry cordial, and fruitcake to complement some beeswax and floral peat.  The palate is strawberry sweetness, a really mild peat, and honey.  It is simpler and less complex than Uigeadail, but it also doesn't suffer from the young spirit hint I detect in that Ardbeg.  The finish is sherry-forward again, but with a strong swirl of spices on top of hot chocolate.  Laphroaig PX is an ideal scotch for someone who likes Uigeadail but finds it too intense. I'd rate it a hair below Uigeadail myself, but it's a close call, depending on mood.

Wowzers - as Inspector Gadget used to say. Are you looking for that "sweet spot" dram that's between the Lagavulin 16, and the sherry influenced Lagavulin Distillers' Edition? Even though this is by Laphroaig, this MAY be the "droid you're looking for" indeed. Now, I may miss that trademark "earthier" peat at good ole Lagavulin, but hey, this guy dances in between those great bottles. I think this duty free spectacle is underrated.

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