Generously_Paul
Laphroaig Càirdeas 2013 Port Wood Edition
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed
September 9, 2018 (edited September 22, 2018)
Another bonus sample from the SDT (only 3 to go), and another Laphroaig Cairdeas from @LeeEvolved. This time we have the 2013 version that was finished in port pipes. Bottled at 51.3% ABV and is non chill filtered and natural color of a ruby copper. This one has been built up by Lee as the be all end all Laphroaig. Let’s see how his enthusiasm holds up.
The nose is juicy and fruity port notes that lead into earthy peat, but a restrained smoke. A menthol-like cooling sensation. Red plums, red grapes and blackberries. Definite notes of caramel apples, toffee and hazelnut. Cold ashes, creosote and a little of the medicinal/bandaid notes that Laphroaig is known for. As far as deeper complexity is concerned, it’s just not there. A little water allows for a bit more sweetness and fruitiness but also brings out a mineral note.
The palate has much more smoke than on the nose. Sweet with a little spice as well. The port notes are not as strong here as I would have expected. Some smoky red fruits, but nothing too discernible. Pepper, oak, barrel char, sooty and salty/briny. Water just seems to tone everything down a bit without adding anything else.
A medium bodied mouthfeel that is oily, mouth coating and mouthwatering.
The finish is medium long, smoky, medicinal, semisweet and mouthwatering throughout.
Sorry Lee, but this was not the king of the proverbial Laphroaig hill. I personally think the Brodir was the better of the port finishes. Good quality here and full of flavor, but not worth the secondary market price of $230. 4.25. I’ve now had the 2013-2018 Cairdeas and though I’ve yet to properly review the 2014, I would rate them in this order: 1) 2014, 2) 2018, 3) a tie between the 2013 & 2016, 5) 2017.
Cheers
230.0
USD
per
Bottle
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@Generously_Paul I’ve started numbering which I’m going to open next. This is slated as #300 out of 500. And I finish 1 bottle every 6 months. So, no worries mate...I got your back. 150 years from now, I”ll send over a few samples. 😁
@Generously_Paul @PBMichiganWolverine - it would appear that I do not have another bottle of the 2015 Cairdeas. I have a second bottle of the 200th anniversary 15yo, but not the Cairdeas version. Hell, checking my spreadsheet/apps it doesn’t look like I’ve tried it yet either. I have 1 bottle for my set and that’s it.
@PBMichiganWolverine that’s the one. Sure you have another one you’ve been dying to open and send samples to your friends ☺️☺️
@Generously_Paul is that the 200th anniversary? That was excellent. I’d say it’s a toss up for me on the port cask or 200th anniversary, followed closely by the amontillado
I just realized that I claimed to have tried 2013-2018, but it turns out I never had the 2015 version. @LeeEvolved or @PBMichiganWolverine please help me to remedy this...I’m sure you have 2 or 3 of these somewhere
@LeeEvolved. Yeah...I’m thinking themed dinner and whiskey pairing. $200/p. So...something like appetizers, entree and dessert from India, with an Amrut flight tasting. I can see @LeeEvolved buying the sushi / Japanese whiskey dinner 😊
@Generously_Paul - yeah, clearly the only way to settle this is to have a Cairdeas side-by-side showdown of all the releases. If only we knew someone that could make this happen... Cough @PBMichiganWolverine Cough
@LeeEvolved ranking based on score alone. I don’t really remember much about the 2016 other than lots of oranges and cream.
I agree that the 2014 Amontillado Cairdeas has risen to the top of the proverbial Feis Isle releases, but dropping this to a tie with the Madeira cask? Man, you’re brutal. I feel like I’ve been attacked, personally. I’m calling the authorities... 😂