Laphroaig 2005 12 Year Cask Strength (Alexander Murray & Co.)

I acquired this bottle from a wine merchant in San Francisco in the spring of 2019, following a few days of hiking in Yosemite with my mother (what a beautiful park, and what a lovely trip). As a result, I will always connect it with pleasant memories, though I will attempt to prevent those from influencing my assessment of this whisky. Folks, this is not a typical example of its kind at all. The usual expression is like a grumpy black bear charging at you with claws extended and the stench of a long winter's sleep. And, to be clear, I enjoy that earthy, funky, peaty, smoky medicinal quality. This is not that usual expression. This is more akin to a mule deer in a specific meadow at the start of spring, lively and delicate. To move beyond metaphors and offer some concrete tasting notes, the aroma here is as sweet as treacle and whipped cream, and reminds me of my first experience with baba au rhum. It's also a bit alcoholic and reluctant to reveal more notes beyond that general, almost Highland-like sweetness. Peat emerges upon hitting the tongue with its rich and oily texture, and there must be some sherry casks in this batch because it has the citrus and tart candies that I associate with Islay whisky aged in sherry casks. The finish consists of fruit -- pears, grapefruit -- and mellow, herbal peat. It's not exactly what I typically prefer, but this is precisely why we purchase independently bottled selections: to experience a completely different aspect of a distillery that we believe we know, and know we love.

Appearance: Very pale yellow with thin legs, exhibiting sparkling qualities; Nose: Distinct Laphroaig characteristics, immediately presenting band-aid-like smoke, accompanied by sea spray, iodine, and intense peat smoke (given the 54% ABV); Palate: The smoke persists on the palate, gently coating the tongue throughout. More smoke and alcohol ascend to the nasal passages and remain there; the smoke completely overwhelms the Scotch, creating a beautiful yet smoky experience; Finish: A long, lingering finish where the actual Scotch, previously masked by the smoke, finally becomes discernible. Be cautious, as although it lingers, it doesn't taste excessively strong, but remember it's 54% ABV.

An intense Single Malt Scotch Whisky bottled by the founder of a specific company in LA, California; produced by a distillery in Islay, Scotland with peat sourced from unique peat beds (containing high levels of “Sphagnum”); then aged for 12 years in former Bourbon casks. It has an aromatic start with notes of peat & hickory smoke; while a rich & spicy middle adds notes of manuka honey & fruit cake; leading to a long & peaty finish with notes of oak, earth & flowers. March 2020 / July 2022

Nose: Sugary candy, smooth vanilla, malt, and dried fruit with smoke. Palate: Sugary candy and a bit spirity and earthy with some dark sweets and smoke. Finish: Lingering smokiness and maltiness, a hint of lemon and metal.

Definitely Laphroig. Oily, smoky, peat. The iodine smell is less pronounced than in the 10 year. I committed a sin and added an ice cube; it mellowed the initial taste nicely but preserved the smoke and bite.

More smoke than the 10 year cask strength, but still balanced enough to reveal sweetness underneath it all. Definitely grab a bottle or dram if you see it.