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Laphroaig Càirdeas 2016 Madeira Cask
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed
July 7, 2017 (edited October 29, 2019)
I’ve had a few tastings of this, so I think I can confidently state my opinions.
To be honest the most appealing aspect of this scotch is the darkish, reddish color of the liquid in the bottle. It is much richer in hue than the 2015 Cairdeas by far. On the nose I get fresh clean salt water, with a touch of orange scented perfume.
The palate is where things start to get a little challenging. Without watering it down it is POWERFUL! There is an intense black pepper burn that settles down to allow hints of lemon and orange take the stage. As those flavors subside, there is a sensation of heavy bitter oakiness, and peat smoke.
The finish is long, slow, peppery, and leaves behind medicinal charcoal notes.
With a few drops of water the nose mellows out and brings forth more of that BBQ scent with a touch of marshmallow. The dram becomes sweeter and creamier, but still that damn charcoal.
I would like to enjoy this more than I do, but I just can’t escape the feeling that I’m sucking on flavored charcoal. I had high expectations, but perhaps I will just grab another bottle of the 2015 instead if I can.
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I second the idea of trying the Port Cairdeas- if you can find it. It was one of the best single malts I've had the pleasure of tasting. You won't be disappointed.
If I can find the Port, I will certainly give it a go. I was so impressed by the 2015 that I bought the 2016 without trying it first...may have been a mistake!
try the Cairdeas Port one from a few years ago. By far, best Cairdeas made.
Good note, I am about to leave one myself, perhaps this weekend. I opened the bottle last weekend and had a single drink, wanted to have another before judging it fully, but my initial impressions were 100% in line with yours. It seemed a little young, ashy, and bitter, without the richer, more savory smoke of the 2015 or even regular ol' 10.