To close out my Laphroaig series, is a sample of their 33-year The Ian Hunter Story Book 3 that was bottled at 49.9% abv. The nose is bold, velvety and rich starting with a mix of candied bacon, mango purée, mild florals and dusty leather-bound books then dark chocolate covered sea salt butterscotch caramels, almond croissant and freshly lit pipe tobacco followed by caramelized peaches, guava and kiwi that transitions to mild baking spices and antique polished furniture with medium ethanol burn. The taste is a medium mouthfeel starting with creamy tropical fruits before a mild spice that quickly fades to blonde espresso, lemongrass and leather-bound books then dark chocolate covered dehydrated pineapple, almond macarons, seaside rocky minerality and freshly lit pipe tobacco followed by caramelized mangos, guava and kiwi that transitions to mild baking spices and antique polished mahogany furniture with medium ethanol burn. The finish is medium length, starting with sweet caramelized tropical fruits and butterscotch creme brûlée that fades to the background of faint smoked meats, guava, pipe tobacco, mild ocean brine, dusty leather-bound books and antique polished mahogany furniture. What a dram to close this series out with, that those 33 years in ex-bourbon casks have softened those dominant heavy peat smoke notes into faint light smoky meats that are present but now in the background of rich tropical fruits along with musty old oak, mild spices and sea salt that all work in harmony to create a stunning and masterfully composed experience. Overall, this is the best of the series for me taking the top spot away from the 15-year 200th Anniversary, but it falls short of achieving a perfect score as the flavors on the palate aren’t as rich as the nose suggested and the finish fades faster than I’d hoped. At a price of $1200+, this is one I’d recommend as a sample or bar pour well before committing to a full bottle purchase, but it’s certainly one I doubt any whisky fan wouldn’t find to be a captivating and memorable dram. Final ratings for the series: 10-year cask strength batch 11- 3.75 10-year sherry oak finish- 4.0 Lore- 4.0 2019 Caidreas Triple Wood- 3.75 2020 Caidreas Port and Wine - 3.75 2021 Caidreas PX - 4.0 15-year 200th Anniversary- 4.5 16-year- 4.0 TWB “It’s been a long way” 15-year IB- 3.25 15-year by The Character of Islay Release #11693- 4.0 25-year (2021)- 4.0 33-year The Ian Hunter Story Book 3- 4.5