Laphroaig 10 Year Cask Strength (Batch 13)

ISLAY SHOWDOWN 3: CASK STRENGTH DIVISION Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength vs Laphroaig Cairdeas Triple Wood vs Ardbeg Corryvreckan Comparing spirits side-by-side is enjoyable and educational; you believe you're quite familiar with a specific one, and when tasted next to another, well—it can change its appearance. In this, the third segment of my Islay contest (see “NEW AND OLD ISLAY SHOWDOWN: Lagavulin 8 vs Laphroaig 10”, 7/27/22; and “ISLAY SHOWDOWN 2: HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION”, 7/29/22), we examine three high-proof bottlings: Laphroaig Cask Strength; Laphroaig Cairdeas Triple Wood; and Ardbeg Corrvreckan. As I already reviewed Ardbeg Corryvreckan vs Uigeadail (6/2/22), I chose not to include both, and omitted the Oogie due to its stronger sherry finish, which is somewhat less typical of Islay. I would have preferred not to have two Laphroaigs, but my other Islay spirits are not cask strength (a matter I need to address). I dislike adding water to cask strength bourbons; in reality, I never do. There are two primary justifications for this. Firstly, distillers themselves refrain from doing so. If a distiller offers distinct versions of the same spirit, it's merely two—the only difference being the quantity of water used to dilute the cask-strength offering (if one even exists) to the “regular” or “standard” bottling. For instance, Laphroaig 10: the Cask Strength (batch 013) is 57.9% ABV, while the “regular” Laphroaig 10 is simply the cask strength diluted with water to 43% ABV. If Laphroaig—or any other distiller—wished to demonstrate various dilution levels to observe how different amounts “open it up,” they could have a fantastic marketing opportunity and present 46%, 49%, 52%, 55%, and then the standard cask strength to fully showcase these dilutions—which is what they are. While this is an extreme illustration, determining the optimal ABV (i.e., dilution) could be accomplished behind the scenes. The Distillery Manager at Laphroaig, could establish this to enhance the spirit's unique character. Clearly, the 43% ABV version isn't the ideal: 43% is merely a common figure among numerous distillers, slightly above the minimum required to suggest “quality,” indicating they aren't solely focused on profits. Nor is the cask-strength version necessarily the ideal. If adding some water to cask strength spirit “opens it up,” why wouldn't the distiller decide the amount of water that yields the best complexity and flavor, and then offer 1) a cask-strength version for purists, 2) a “lower end” version to maximize profits for the majority, and 3) an optimized ABV that the distiller deems best (and furthermore, this would be another clever marketing move as it would inevitably vary annually). Secondly, when a consumer adds water, it's done purely subjectively, without method or reason, whether it's added precisely with a dropper, splashed by pouring a little water, or even by flicking fingers dipped in water. Not only is the water quantity arbitrary, but the volume of spirit being altered is typically unknown, making the ratio (i.e., ABV) merely a guess. And let's not even discuss ice, which is a double disadvantage: not only is the quantity of (frozen) water undetermined, but chilling the spirit dulls its flavor profile (both taste and aroma). It's basic physics: molecules in motion. Lower temperatures slow them down, reducing whatever the spirit has to offer. Naturally, individuals are free to drink as they prefer. Lahphroaig 10 Cask Strength Batch 013 (L10CS) Initial impression on nosing was apples—distilled apple resin—followed by molasses, clove, rosemary-infused grapefruit sorbet (warmed to room temperature), cocoa powder, orange creamsicle (distilled essence thereof), maple syrup, some woody vanilla, and balanced ethanol. Smoky peat is present, naturally. And the expected iodine and seaweed. The intensity (57.9% ABV) reappears at mid-palate where a more medicinal quality emerges, and everything combines in a mixer that somehow unifies it all into a bewildering whole. Concludes with malted barley and bacon fat. On the spectrum of pure delight. 4.75 out of 5 stars. Laphroaig Cairdeas Triple Wood (LCTW) In contrast to the L10CS, this is NAS (no age statement). A sweeter aroma with smoky peat caramel, vanilla, sweetened cappuccino, brown sugar, milk chocolate. This sweetness carries onto the palate, where the heat is more pronounced than in the L10CS: it's a few percentage points higher, but the various sweet notes don't manage the heat as effectively as the complex variety of the L10CS. There's a hint of sherry-influenced hazelnut on the finish, along with some dry woodiness. 4.0 out of 5 stars. Ardbeg Corryvreckan (AC) NAS, like the LCTW. The palest in color of the trio, with a clear straw hue. Surprisingly bready and barley-forward compared to the previous two. Also smoked ham, the “Islay trinity” (smoky peat, seaweed, iodine), and an underlying sweetness, but all of it is understated in comparison (has anyone ever described Ardbeg as “subtle”?!) More intense and typical of Ardbeg on the palate, but lacking the flamboyance of the L10CS and LCTW. Finishes sweet and warm, with a touch of pepper. 4.0 out of 5 stars (compared to 4.5 previously). Ardbeg Corryvreckan is a well-regarded (and highly favored) Islay spirit. However, when placed next to these two Laphroaigs, it didn't meet my expectations. I conducted a side-by-side comparison with Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Uigeadial some weeks ago (6/2/22). It's worth restating my previous comments on AC: “Nose reveals ample smoky peat, Islay iodine and saltiness, Japanese seaweed, asphalt, and a hint of bacon fat. It has a penetrating, mouth-coating entry, adding chocolate to the profile, and finishes with a spicy, white pepper note. The 57.1% ABV provides a good balance to Corryvreckan's full-on character.” Alongside the two Laphroaigs, AC presents as a different spirit. This is my initial encounter with Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength, and it certainly won't be my last. It emerges as the clear victor in this comparison, and it's difficult to envision any improvement. The Laphroaig Cairdeas Triple Wood is a very good second place, some distance behind, offering a pleasant sweetness for an Islay spirit. The Ardbeg was disappointing in contrast. It remains a good drink, but has dropped a couple of notches since its last evaluation against its sweeter counterpart, Uigeadial. N.B. All spirits tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

This tasting features four Laphroaig expressions: the 10-Year, Cask Strength Batch 013, Càirdeas 2019 Triple Wood Cask Strength, and the 15-Year 200th Anniversary. I sampled them over three days, initially taking notes on pairings of the 10-Year and Cask Strength, then the Càirdeas and 15-Year. On the third day, I tasted all four together, reordering them from most refined to most robust, which coincided with descending age and ascending alcohol by volume. I then revisited them randomly. LAPHROAIG 15-YEAR 200TH ANNIVERSARY A brilliant amber hue, this expression presents a more sophisticated aroma than the lively Càirdeas, with notes of orange zest, porridge, cured meat, grilled asparagus, peach, and baked apples. Later, cantaloupe appeared again. The mouthfeel is not very dense, considering its age and wood influence. The palate is sweet, featuring pear compote, vanilla, a hint of butterscotch, bacon, and honey. A subtle white pepper note emerges on the finish, accompanied by honey and dry, leathery characteristics. This 15-year-old showcases a subdued Islay character, less assertive than the other three, yet not lacking in presence. Imagine a bell curve: subtle, though still intricate, on the nose; more pronounced on the palate; and finishing with elegance. It evokes a cozy cabin or wood-paneled study, with a fireplace, cool autumn mist outside, classical music playing, and this whisky served neat with the bottle readily available. It's a pensive, reflective, and polished dram. Online searches indicate this limited release now sells for $500-$600, a significant increase from the approximately $100 I paid some years ago. I'm pleased with that purchase and glad to have experienced it, though I wouldn't buy it again at current prices. A quarter bottle remains. Score: 4.5 (unchanged from 8/12/22). 43% ABV. 15-year age statement. LAPHROAIG 10-YEAR A more subtle amber color. The aroma includes kelp, salinity, iodine, a damp basement scent, and the unmistakable aroma of burning peat. It also brings to mind a terracotta pot soaked in seawater, and a tire shop. Burning resin is present, alongside faint fruitiness: apple juice, overripe banana, and cantaloupe. Peanut brittle was also detected, a new note. The palate echoes the melon sweetness, which continues into the finish before being enveloped in ash. Laphroaig is a classic Islay whisky, commonly found for around $50. I would purchase this again. Score: 4.25. 43% ABV. 10-year age statement. LAPHROAIG CASK STRENGTH BATCH 013 A slightly deeper amber than the 10-Year. The nose is intensely complex, with notes of Band-Aid, engine oil, sea spray (both cosmetic and oceanic), antifreeze, nori, wakame, and Betadine. There's a funkiness, followed by malted milk balls and cocoa powder, especially when compared to the 10-Year. The alcohol is imperceptible on the nose. The palate is oily and coats the mouth, with prominent honey and candied ginger flavors. The cask strength alcohol makes its presence known but is well-integrated. The finish is long, with ash-coated smoky butterscotch. This Cask Strength expression is extraordinary, boasting immense complexity in both breadth and depth. The bottle I possess is the only one I've encountered. It can be found online for under $90, making it potentially the best value in the whisky world. I would absolutely buy it again. It's the nectar of Islay. Score: 4.75. 57.9% ABV. 10-year age statement. Batch 013. Bottled January 2021. LAPHROAIG CÀIRDEAS 2019 TRIPLE WOOD CASK STRENGTH A deep orange amber color. Aromas include peat smoke, ash, iodine, tangy barbecue sauce, damp cardboard, tomato leaf, slightly overcooked pancakes, starfruit, concrete, honeyed orange, a touch of caramel, and vanilla. The palate has a light viscosity and sweetness, with the 59.5% ABV making a pleasant impact. The finish offers honeyed sweetness, followed by white pepper, Band-Aid, and iodine. Every Laphroaig expression displays remarkable complexity, with an undeniable Islay terroir that surpasses that of any Bordeaux or Burgundy. The Càirdeas adds another dimension through its varied cask finishes: bourbon, quarter cask, European oak, and Oloroso sherry. The quarter casks, which theoretically increase wood interaction, compensate for the lack of an age statement. I could spend all night nosing and drinking this; it's that exceptional. These releases typically cost $80-$90. I would buy it again. My previous rating was 4.0, but it's better than that. Score: 4.25. 59.5% ABV. NAS. Non-chill filtered. These individual bottlings distinctly represent Laphroaig while remaining unique. Each offers a complex and thought-provoking experience. What was most surprising this time was the enhanced fruitiness and gentle sweetness detected in each dram, more so than I recalled. Laphroaig's character extends beyond just 'burning hospital.' Laphroaig's special releases, like the Càirdeas, feel more traditional and restrained compared to, say, Ardbeg's more adventurous offerings. I appreciate their classic approach. While not an everyday drink for me, I always keep a few Laphroaig bottles in my collection. Note: All spirits were tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

I compared this directly with standard Laphroaig 10. The nose was a bit challenging for me, requiring some effort to discern. However, it occasionally presents itself assertively! Honestly, I prefer the standard 10's nose, which I found to be more vanilla-forward. The taste, however, intensifies the brine. It definitely has a much bigger mouthfeel. When I return to the 10, it almost seems muted in comparison. This really diminishes the standard 10.

Nose: Peat Smoke, iodine, sea water, licorice Palate: Dark fruits, licorice, brine, smoke Finish: Ash, smoke, oak This is the best Laphroaig I've tried, better than the Lore and even better than Ardbeg Uigeadail. Definitely worth the money.

Smells like a bonfire, antiseptic, and bandages. Tastes of smoky peat, dark fruits, iodine, and the sea. The body is thick and stays with you. You'll recall this one tomorrow even if last night is a blur.

Nose: Alcohol, fruit, and smoked salmon. Palate: Brown sugar, burnt caramel, dark fruit, and sugar-coated pecans from Buc-ee’s, all supported by a savory, slightly briny base.