• Nose(undiluted): damp peat, dark fruit (raisins, dates), a hint of cinnamon, some iodine, brine, and a the medicinal/antiseptic note that Laphroaig is known for. • Palate (undiluted): very soft, rounded, I'm shocked that this is 48% ABV, quite fruity, almost sticky with dates, less smoke than I expect from Laphroaig, subtle coffee notes • Finish: medium length, malty, oat cakes, somewhat medicinal with a touch of smoke and dates lingering With water, there's a mineral note that comes out on the nose, like pencil lead. The fruit becomes a bit brighter, with lemons joining the raisins and dates. The palate and finish are almost unchanged with water, there is a slight re-ordering of the flavours, with the smoke being a bit more prominent, but otherwise it stays the same. Add water or don't, it doesn't seem to change much. This feels like a “summer Laphroaig”, almost like what Select could have been, had they bottled it at a more respectable strength. It’s a bit fruitier and not quite as smoky and medicinal as I want it to be, but it’s a pleasing sipper nonetheless. I won’t try to hunt down a bottle, nor will I reach into my whisky network to source one, but I would certainly purchase one if I came across it at a reasonable price. It's also a bottle I'd be glad to give or receive as a gift. An all-around enjoyable malt. Recommended. 86/100 points