Back when i was at Laphroaig distillery, i had the chance to taste another whisky straight from the cask. This time an 18yo single malt that has been triple matured, first for 5 years in a bourbon cask; then 1 year in a Quarter Cask, and finally 12 years in american white oak. Poured at 49.6%. On the nose, it is very fresh and minty. Lemon air freshener, peppermint, vanilla ice cream. It has the classic Laphroaig aroma of a fresh can tennis balls. Citrus and vanilla. Very citric lemon peel. On the palate it follows the same rythm. Lemongrass, vanilla. Pepper and salt, lots of lemon leaves. After a first sip it became a vanilla ice cream. The lemon reigns here. There is a nice aftertaste. Medicinal, lemon. Very fresh and minty. Ginger spice. Overall, this can be described as the most typical Laphroaig there is. It has every tasting and aroma note that you expect; but delivered in a more elegant, tamed way. This is the proof that distilleries like Laphroaig are better when their spirits are younger and bolder. It is a very good whisky, but for a 18yo straight from the cask, it feels it should be better. My score for it is 89 over 100.