Laphroaig 17yo Bourbon and Madeira matured, Straight from the Cask

A Laphroaig is always welcome. This one, bottled at 54.4%abv from the distillery itself, is even better. It's a 17-year-old, initially aged for eight years in ex-bourbon casks before a nine-year finish in Madeira barrels. The aroma is dominated by thick, syrupy red fruits, with floral notes, milk chocolate, and cigarette ash. Hints of hazelnut are present. It's quite impressive. The taste offers sweetness, chocolate, and a touch of peat. Milk chocolate blends with almonds, reminiscent of a Toblerone bar. Toffee and a metallic or coppery quality are also detected. After a subtle beginning, the finish erupts. Wait three seconds, and you'll experience a sonic boom of chocolate and chili. It possesses a pleasant bite, with chocolate and hazelnut complementing the classic Laphroaig peat, often described as smelling like a fresh can of tennis balls. Overall, this was an exceptional dram, notably sweet for a Laphroaig. The medicinal peatiness harmonized beautifully with the chocolate and almond, creating a delightful experience. I am eager to sample more Madeira-matured single malts from this remarkable distillery. My rating is 95 out of 100.