Richard-ModernDrinking
Laphroaig Càirdeas 2011 Ileach Edition
Single Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed
August 5, 2019 (edited August 6, 2019)
The second of two Cairdeas samples generously gifted by @LeeEvolved is probably the creamiest Laphroaig I’ve had. How creamy is it? I wrote seven bullet points of tasting notes and four of them say ‘cream’ or ‘creamy’. There’s no hint of it from the subtle peat on the nose, but after that it’s a dairy delight. The palate is creamy and sweet, with a peat level that’s a notch lower than the 10. The finish is - wait for it - creamy, with a hint of citrus and a long delicate spiciness. There’s perhaps a hint of bitterness underlying the creamy aftertaste, but overall this is delightful and different and I would love to add a bottle to my Cairdeas Hall of Fame. Thanks Lee for sharing this unicorn that I never expected to try. My unbroken Cairdeas streak now stretches back to 2011, leaving just three earlier releases to track down. I’m smiling like the cat that got the cream.
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@LeeEvolved I actually like a softer Laphroaig when it’s done well - the 200th anniversary 15-year-old is one of my favorites. And I like floral notes, though I’m in the minority that didn’t find them here. Do you have one of every Cairdeas then?
Well, I was actually expecting you to be more critical of this dram- like my review will be. I found it a little too soft to be a Laphroaig. However, the notes I have jotted down also mention how floral and creamy of a dram it is- I think it’s the most floral Cairdeas by a mile. I’m glad you really enjoyed it, and don’t fret over the 2008-2010 Cairdeas- once I open those bottles I’ll be sure to save you a pour of each.