Laphroaig PX Cask

Beautiful color! Not oily still full with so much going on. The peat smoke is pronounced up front but does not overwhelm the background of fruit. The flavor matches the aroma. It’s gently peaty with fruit, spices, and a light salty finish. There’s a hint of bacon and then cherries, currants, sweet wood, bitter orange, and salty brine. Smoother with water. I enjoy this a lot.

The PX Cask certainly has the smoke, although not as intense as other Islay Scotches, but is more balanced and refined on both the nose and palate. The complexity of the barrels is the real story here: oak bringing wood, vanilla, and caramel; PX sherry providing sweet fruit counter that is very enjoyable. There's also a hint of nuts, spices, and a little warmth from the 48%. If you like an Islay Scotch that does more than just punch you in the mouth with peaty smoke, then this edition's balance and complexity from Laphraoig is for you.

Caramel, tar, smoke, pepper, raisin, prune.

Peat and sweet