Indie bottler Laphroaig Week Continues …2/4….

Laphroaig 10yo 1999/2009 (46%, Coopers Choice, C#4211, 720 Bts., Refill Butt)

A pale independent bottling from Coopers Choice sporting new bottle livery and happily bottled without artificial colouring or the ‘Un-chillfiltered’; good for Coopers Choice.

The nose benefits a short while in the glass to open up and then the race is on; peat reek, heather, juniper, malt dust and some sweet dessert wine notes however the evidence of the butt mentioned on the label is muted. The overall aromas are pleasant and a little hand warming coaxes out some more of the heather and juniper along with the peat reek. After a few minutes there is also some muted bandages, cocoa and peanut shells. The taste is malty and full of peat reek; there’s some attitude in here that perhaps has been calmed in the reduction for cask strength but the overall taste is very good. There are also hints of the heather, malt and cocoa along with some further sweetness that is not overwhelming but in harmony with the peat smoke. The finish is malty and somewhat akin to peanut butter along with some oak notes and the heather and juniper. After a minute or two there is the faintest hint of diesel which ties in the maritime aspect of maturation quite nicely. The peat continues un abated for quite some time…….and becomes even more malty.

One has to conclude that this is a refill – refill butt however no matter since it is simply a very good dram.

C$100

Score 85 points

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