Laphroaig 10yo (40%, OB, +/-2007)

The single malt from the famed Islay distillery of Laphroaig, the nose is of pest reek right off followed by a back ground of sweetness, seaweed and bandages, iodine, cocoa and the ocean (brine). The peat reek and the sweetness are very well defined and are the defining characteristics of the nose. For lovers of Laphroaig this is it without need for further elaboration. The taste is dry right off and then is quickly followed by malt, peat reek, sweetness and then unsweetened cocoa and then some further expansion of the peat reek backed by the sweetness and cocoa. Brilliant. There is also a smoothness in the mouth feel but it is very big in the flavour department.  The finish is of bitter cocoa (which is stunningly brilliant) quickly followed by some sweetness and then it evens out to become malty and slightly fizzy for a brief moment followed by some more malt. The finish is exceptionally long and is mouth smackingly good.

Laphroaig; Love it or love, there are no other options.

Score 88 points.