Laphroaig 25yo 1984/2009 (51%, OB, Oloroso & American Oak Casks)

A gentle nose filled with peat smoke and iodine, the ocean and some simply beautiful wood spice all back with brandy, coal smoke (not too much), cocoa and toffee. The higher alcohol is simply not evident; it is all a grand collection of aromas. Time in the glass allows the cocoa and the peat smoke to evolve together working well with the toffee/honey sweetness (but not overly sweet).  Simply sensational. With a small splash of water the nose opens up and becomes a little more accessible with a little coal smoke. The taste is warming, vibrant with some really excellent peat smoke and Fry’s cocoa along with some oak spice (a tinge of red cedar too?). Wonderful. Concentration has been lost…another sip is needed… The taste with water (just a touch) is much as before however the smokey characteristics and a little lemon are a little more pronounced. The finish is a mix of sweet and sour quickly followed by the peat smoke and cocoa which both head towards the horizon like trains tracks. After a few minutes some really good malt slowly emerges. The finish carries on forever. At the final stages some chocolate is detected.

Simply outstanding. A commonality with the whole line from the Quarter cask to the 18yo is quite evident. Shockingly good. It’s no wonder is Laphroaig one of the great distilleries…and deservedly so.

$550 and worth every penny.

Score 93 points

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Laphroaig 25 Year Old