Telex
Laphroaig 18 Year
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed
May 11, 2018 (edited February 21, 2019)
Subtle barbecue, TCP/Iodine, vanilla, deep floral notes, sugar and leather appear on the nose. The palate brings on a very refined peaty smoke, ginger, custard, cream, vanilla, and butter. It's a thinner mouthfeel that expected, but it is well aged. The long finish is a nice creosote, tar, rubbery ball of goodness. A reverse campfire with light fruit. Brings to mind "What's the Frequency, Kenneth" by R.E.M. because of the guitar solo. Anyway, you need to take your time with this as @cascode and @ScotchingHard stated (thanks for the tips guys). This is a definite 4.75. So close to the 5, if it was a little oilier, but I am far from bitchin'.
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@PBMichiganWolverine - I totally agree that all 3 are factors.
@cascode - your question has motivated me to inquire further with Murray and Lagavulin directly, because I found no difference in smokiness between the current Laga16 and the earlier White Horse version.
@cascode - In Murray’s Whiskey Bible review of Lagavulin 12 (10th release, 2010) he states: “Keeps on track with previous releases. Though this is the first where the lowering of the ppms from 50 to 35 really do seem noticeable.” He states this as if it is facts based and it would have taken place in the distillation of 1998, which is one year after the acquisition of Lagavulin by Diageo. This is also when the White Horse Distillers was dropped from box and bottle labeling. He goes on to state the following in his review of Lagavulin 16: “If anyone has noticed a slight change in Lagavulin, they would be right. The peat remains profound but much more delicate than before, while the oils appeared to have receded.” This implies the lowering of ppms was across the board and maybe coupled with other production process differences. If these took place in the 1997/1998 distillations, then it would have shown up in the 2013/2014 release of Lagavulin 16. Murray also alluded to this changeover elsewhere in his book but I haven’t been able to put my finger on it.
@Rick_M beyond 60-100ppm, the human body can’t tell the difference. But depending on age, genetics, and environment, that number can even go down to 30-60ppm.
@Rick_M Do you have a source for that comment by Murray? It agrees precisely with my feelings about the drop in smokiness in recent Laga 16s and I'd be interested to read more of what he says about it.
Correction: the difference in smokiness for Lagavulin 16 showing up around 2012 or 2013.
White horse at auction will cost you about $250.
@PBMichiganWolverine - the Laga16 with the white horse label means it was bottled 20 years ago. Murray claims they dropped the phenol level from 50ppm to 35ppm showing up around 2003. I didn’t find any difference. See my review of Laga16 white horse.
@Rick_M is White Horse a limited Lag offering?
Oh wow. Awesome find. I’d love to try some old White Horse Lag.
@Telex - scored this recently from the same guy I found the Lagavulin 16 (white horse).