Laphroaig 15 Year Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)

This recent Laphroaig from Chieftain's, a 14-year-old bottled in January 2018, is just shy of its next birthday. The limited label information indicates it was matured in hogshead casks, typically those previously holding bourbon, and is free of chill filtering and coloring. It comes from a single cask but was bottled at 46% ABV, suggesting it was diluted from its cask strength. This reduced alcohol content likely explains the attractive $70 price point, a great deal for an aged Laphroaig now that the 18-year-old is unavailable. I don't often purchase independent bottlings, but the price made it difficult to resist. I'm pleased I gave in. It has the color of amber resin and coats the glass with a pleasing oiliness. The nose presents mesquite sauce and pine, a more characteristic profile than the fruity and floral notes of the 15-year-old anniversary edition from a few years back. The palate resembles a milder version of the 10-year-old, smoother and less intense in its peatiness, and not as 'rough' as the 18. The finish is long and sweet, evoking a memory of Old English Spangles, a boiled candy from my childhood. This is an approachable Laphroaig that delivers the expected qualities without demanding excessive attention. While I generally consider 46% ABV to be ideal for whisky, I wouldn't mind a slightly higher proof for added intensity and to compensate for a subtle wateriness on the palate. Nevertheless, it's genuinely good. Consider it pleasant background ambiance rather than the loud performances of the distillery's own bottlings.

LAPHROIG 15 CHIEFTAIN’S The common advice for introducing novices to whiskey is to start them with blends before moving to single malts. As they mature, you guide them gently, beginning with lighter whiskies and progressing to Islays. Never expose a young person to Laphroaig; it will put them off whiskey permanently. THIS IS ALL INCORRECT Most blends are not worth purchasing unless your sole aim is to get intoxicated, though many fine blends exist for pure enjoyment. Most single malts offer more complexity and are worth savoring for their quality, often enjoyed alone by a fire. Some Islays are gentle on the palate despite their peatiness (and there are excellent unpeated Islays) and shouldn't be judged solely by Laphroaig 12. This brings me to LAPHROIG 15 CHIEFTAIN’S. It has a dark appearance and an aroma reminiscent of a subtle Islay variety, closer to an Ardbeg. Despite being 45% alcohol, it feels soft and smooth on the palate. It's complex, but not in a medicinal iodine way; it's more like the rich, delicious taste of BBQ sauce. However, that's the initial sensation. It then leaves a long aftertaste that hints at salted caramel. You could introduce anyone to the wonderful world of whiskey with this expression, but I'd advise keeping it to yourself to ensure there's enough left for aging enthusiasts like myself.

This is a sample from an independent bottler: Chieftain’s. It’s a 14 year old Laphroaig. It was sent to me as part of a trade from a new acquaintance. It's believed to have been drawn exclusively from ex-bourbon casks. It was bottled at 46% and presents a beautiful, antique gold color in the glass. It's very oily with wide, undefined legs. The aroma is typical Laphroaig smoke, band aids, briny sea air with some very light oak barrel notes. The taste is intensely smoky with a pleasant, salty foundation. It's oily with a thick mouthfeel and just enough liveliness to keep you fully engaged. The finish is long, warm and incredibly slick and oily. There’s a pleasing lingering sensation that reminds me of some of the older, 10 year old distillery bottles. Overall, it’s classic Laphroaig. It's like taking a trip to Islay before all the fancy finishing casks, NAS trickery or in-house blending. Just good, old fashioned smoke and medicinal whisky that only a true peat enthusiast can appreciate. And appreciate it I do. Thanks again. 4 classic stars. Cheers.

Thanks to a friend, I had the chance to try a serving of this. While Laphroaig 10 is fiery and direct, this is equally reserved and sophisticated. Its intensity is subdued, but it's not bland. It has traded the forceful impact of a kickboxer for the graceful style of a tai chi practitioner. The peat, medicinal notes, and brine are still present but secondary to oak, mesquite, and citrus. Nicely composed. Thanks to my friend!