Laphroaig 25yo (40%, OB, +/-2008)

“Farven Justeret Med Karamel” Oh, c’mon! Really?? It’s not necessary. “the most richly flavoured of all scotch whiskies. Part matured in the finest Oloroso sherry casks’ Oh really, then why the need for the KARAMEL?

 In any case the nose is gently peated with hints of tinned fruit in syrup and loads of unsweetened cocoa. The peat smoke is restrained and very good, it’s very seductive, a really good combination of cocoa and peat smoke. The taste is gentle at first and slightly dry but the flavour rises after a moment or two and then plateaus and becomes almost fizzy like. It’s very gentle, the 40% has really not helped but it’s still a very tasty whisky. The best moment is right after the first swallow which leads to another. There are even hints of some maritime and the hospital gauze so loved by many in other Laphroaig.  The finish is quite dry followed by the peat smoke but once again it is very gentle but still good but not brilliant. After a minute or so there is some good malt intermingled with the peat smoke which is gamely hanging on. After a few moments all that remains are peat and malt and some good dryness.

A restrained Laphroaig but still very, very good, not sure where the Oloroso got to however. Some what a kissing cousin of the Laphroaig 15yo in the box (not the tube) from many years ago. Both are some what restrained but still Laphroaig and still good.

C$700 in one Canadian market or £299 at the Whisky Exchange

Score 88 points

(Many thanks to Al & Maggie for this sample)