Laphroaig Triple Wood

Stop number 14 on the SDT is Laphroaig. This Islay distillery was my first love when it comes to scotch, so I am quite partial to it. I will try to remain objective for this review. Clocking in at a nice 48% ABV, this single malt is non chill filtered and is a natural color of yellow gold. Triple Wood refers to the three different casks used for maturation. First in ex bourbon barrels, then quarter casks, and finally in ex Oloroso sherry casks. So basically it's the Quarter Cask with a sherry finish. The nose starts out as classic Laphroaig. Big peat smoke, iodine, bandaids, brine, sea spray, sea shore, seaweed, ashes, tar and a mineral note. All the hits you love, plus many more! Plenty of oak to go around, vanilla, custard and classic English toffee (think Werther's Original). Once the big peatiness subsides, the sherry kicks in. Ripe red berries and grapes, dried apricots and fresh plums. There is also a light nuttiness like cashews or macadamia nuts. While it's not the slap in the face that the 10 year old is, I can't find much fault in the nose of Triple Wood. The palate starts out as all Laphroaigs do, with smoky peat. The oak shows itself as a half burnt log in a fire that's just been doused with sea water. It's sweeter than most Laphroaigs with the sherry fruits coming through. A little bit of peppery spice and some definite bourbon notes. There's more in there but I can't get past the peat any further than I already have. Medium bodied and a very creamy and oily mouthfeel. The finish is on the short side for a Laphroaig, but is longer than many non Islay drams. It's dry, smoky and a little sweet. After hearing some so-so reviews for Triple Wood I was a bit reserved going into it. I figured it couldn't be worse than Select so it wasn't going to be the worst Laphroaig I've had. I don't know why I even hesitated, it's Laphroaig after all. Classic Laphroaig flavors with the added fruitiness of sherry casks. The finish is a bit underwhelming, but the rest is great. I could see myself debating which one to buy, this or the QC. Thanks again to Lee for the sample. Cheers.