Continuing my Laphroaig series, up next is a sample of Lore. The nose starts with candied bacon, grilled figs and leather-bound books then a mild campfire smoke, dark chocolate ganache with light sea salt and pipe tobacco followed by caramelized pears, strawberries with balsamic vinegar and dehydrated mango that transitions to mild baking spices, asphalt and polished oak with low ethanol burn. The taste is a medium to full mouthfeel starting with creamy orchard fruits before a moderate spice that slowly fades to tangy smoked pork belly, grilled figs and leather-bound books then freshly lit pipe tobacco, dark chocolate covered sea salt caramels and almond croissant followed by caramelized pears, sautéed strawberries and mango that transitions to mild baking spices, asphalt and polished oak with medium ethanol burn. The finish is long, starting with a moderate pipe tobacco smoke that quickly recedes to creamy orchard fruits, dark chocolate covered raisins and candied bacon followed by light baking spices, mild ocean brine, leather bound books and polished oak. This is an exceptional dram that is masterfully composed with soft smoke intermixing beautifully with light sherry, creamy citrus fruits and well-aged oak that has a mild sourness and a higher spice than I prefer on the palate and the finish begins slightly off-putting with a moderate smoky bitter spice that quickly fades to allow for that delightful mix of light sherry, creamy citrus, candied bacon and oak to return and linger for minutes after each sip. At a price of around $140, I think this is a reasonably priced dram that allows for a taste of a tamer and softer side of Laphroaig. Ratings for the series so far: 10-year cask strength batch 11- 3.75 10-year sherry oak finish- 4.0 Lore- 4.0