Laphroaig 15 Year (old label)

This particular Laphroaig 15 was acquired from a collector in Cape Cod. He had decided to stop collecting and sold his extensive collection of 650 bottles through Skinner, Inc., an auction house in New England. Following the sale, he discovered an additional half-dozen whiskies tucked away in some wine containers just before I arrived. The bottles showed signs of wear with faded labels and dents, making them unsuitable for collectible sale. Among them were two Laphroaig 15s and an 18, all appearing to be bottled in the late 1990s based on their labels. Also present were a Lagavulin 16 White Horse from the same period, a Lagavulin 12 Special Release from 2002 (its inaugural year), and an Ardbeg 17. I had previously reviewed the Lagavulin 16 White Horse and found it exceptional; however, its smokiness seemed less pronounced compared to more recent releases. The same held true for this Laphroaig 15, bottled two decades ago, but even more so. The phenols responsible for the smokiness had completely vanished, leaving the spirit entirely lacking that characteristic. This was surprising. It's generally understood that phenol parts per million decrease with barrel aging, but I hadn't anticipated the same for bottle aging. Apparently, it does. The nose offered an elegant Islay character from an ex-bourbon barrel, but without the heavy peat smoke. This allowed the remaining phenolic elements to stand out, creating a pleasant departure from the usual profile. Briny, medicinal notes reminiscent of Band-Aids and iodine were joined by the scent of freshly paved asphalt. The palate introduced a subtle sweetness of vanilla, malt, citrus, and spice, which transitioned smoothly into a finish characterized by oak tannins and white pepper. It was an excellent purchase for fifty dollars, though I did overspend on most of the other bottles. I had trouble concealing my Islay enthusiasm.:)

The aroma has an iodine quality. The palate presents medicinal peat, with a sweet seaweed note on the finish. Mellowed, yet unmistakably Laphroaig.

Intensely smoky. A faint iodine taste, a touch of green apple. Very salty, evoking the sensation of being by the sea.

A little better than the Ardbeg 10, but not for the price difference.

Smoky.