Laphroaig 21 Year (Friends of Laphroaig)

Nose - (without water) Sweet fruit, vanilla smoke, a hint of iodine, Wheaties cereal, slightly metallic, lemon zest. (with water) More of a sweet salty smoke, hints of lemon citrus, light fruit juice. Taste - (without water) White pepper & smoke tingle, citrusy lemon zest, sweet pear, lightly salty cured/smoked meat, like a strange combination of beef brisket & ham. (with water) More of a sweet/savory smoke, very clean & juicy, sweet smoke is more prominent on the finish. Finish - (without water) Lingering white pepper tingle, sweet salty smoke, light salinity, fruity green fruits, savory meat. (with water) Lingering salinity/smoke, light white pepper warmth, charcoal/ash, light "fresh" fruits. Score - 77/100 Final Thoughts - This wasn't a bad peated expression for me, but it felt a bit one-dimensional. I wish I could combine the nose & taste from the Scotch with water, with the finish I got without water. It was significantly more enjoyable but mellow with water, but the finish with water was more ashy compared to a cleaner, fruitier smoke. That being said, the time in oak has considerably softened the smoke/peat, but it's still not something I'd regularly choose. Would I drink it if offered? - Possibly Would I specifically order it? - No Would I buy a bottle? - No