A beautiful Saturday. Worked outside building a firewood shed. Now after a nice meal, relaxing with a pour watching Grand Ol’ Opry live stream with Luke Combs and Craig Morgan. The Laphroaig I purchased some time ago and shared but haven’t myself tasted. Well, tonight I was in the mood for something with some meat and peat and figured this should be able to meet those demands. The color is a pale yellow, almost clear. There is a bonfire on the beach and a sweet whisky is in hand. The first exposure is quite welcoming. Slowly emerging are tropical fruits of pineapples, apricots. As time progresses, a nice earthy quality becomes apparent of cucumbers and mint and as it blends with the brine and peat, you are drawn in further. Add some toffee and vanilla. A soft arrival that initially brings a subtle sootiness. The texture is silky and soft. Then, when you get passed the light peat and softness, a plume of sugar sweetness comes forward and takes root. All in soft and elegant mix the flavors swirl and intertwine: tobacco, sea salt, vanilla, black pepper, caramel, apples and dark chocolate. A long lasting subtle finish that is sweetened tobacco, black pepper, lemon zest and oak tannins. At a respectable 43%, from the outset, the whisky delivers. Aromas, flavors and finish. The balance of the aromas and flavors is masterfully blended. There is no overpowering peat, spice or sweetness. It’s an easy sipper and remains relatively complex. One of the best Laphroaig’s I have had (haven’t had Lore yet). All had for $74, and quite worth it. [95/100][Tasted: 4/25/20]