My brother and I strategically picked up this bottle on April 30, the day before the price jumped $15 to $75 MSRP in NC. The price hikes for Laphroaig were disheartening, but at least Ardbeg and Bruichladdich haven't changed for now.
The nose is strong with peat, oak, brine, and charcoal grill. It smells wonderful. I believe the second maturation in small casks adds a lot of oak flavor that overtakes some of the traditional medicinal Laphroaig qualities. Not that I mind at all.
The peat is actually muted when it hits the tongue. I mainly taste oak and some brine. Then the peat hits on the finish. It is long, oily, and bursts with charcoal flavor. I can finally taste the malt on the back end, and maybe a little dark fruit, apricot, and chocolate.
This is my kind of Islay whiskey, heavy on the peat and oak influence. A must try if you like Islay, even with the price hike in the U.S.
59.95
USD
per
Bottle