Laphroaig 30 Year (43%)

Edit: The following review is for an earlier bottling at 43% ABV, acquired in 2008. Appearance: Resembles golden syrup. Aroma: Robust. A combination of maritime sherry with a background of sweet smoke. It's evident this is an aged malt, as it smells precisely like what I'd imagine Laphroaig's maturation warehouse to be: wood, smoke, sherry, and the sea. It's akin to discovering your grandfather's old jacket where he stored his pipe tobacco, long after he last used it. Taste: Largely mirrors the aroma, but the smoke is less pronounced. The peat here is more akin to a bog than a fireplace. Flavors develop gradually, with sherry notes taking the lead. Hints of dried fruit. Dark brown sugar. The finish becomes pleasantly bitter, which perfectly sets up the sweetness of the subsequent sip. It coats the tongue, lingering for minutes after the glass is empty. Exhaling through your nose after a sip brings to mind the fading embers of a campfire. This is unquestionably Bowmore 15's more mature, sophisticated sibling. Truly exceptional. I can hardly conceive of a superior whisky experience.

The original version from the 2000s. Very smooth, with a gentle, elegant smoke and sherry influence. It could be improved with a higher bottling strength, similar to the 2016 bourbon cask and Ian Hunter Book 2 releases. Comparing it directly to Yoichi 20 also didn't help its case. Nose: Burnt Orange Peels, Smoke, Salted Caramel, Christmas Cakes, Barbecue Pork Ribs, Raisins, Vanilla, Baking Spices, Nutmeg, Licorice, Figs, Peaches, Red Apples Palate: Smoke, Dark Chocolate, Toffee, Iodine, Plums, Figs, Coconuts, Banana Flambé, Grilled Pineapples, Walnuts, Licorice, Cinnamon Finish: Tar, Smoke, Grilled Pineapples, Vanilla, Salted Caramel, Salted Cod, Beef Ribs, Figs, Coconut

This was thoroughly enjoyable. Fruity, particularly tropical fruits, but sweet rather than sour. Some crisp green apples, but again, the freshness, not the tartness. Flavors are very well-balanced. Sweet honey. And naturally, the peat and smoke to complement the sweetness and fruit. Much gentler than the earlier editions of Laphroaig, but absolutely delicious... this is why I adore single malt whisky!

This is really good. I had the opportunity to try this and the 28-year-old version. I preferred the 28-year-old just slightly. If you have the financial means, you won't be disappointed with this one.

Incredibly smooth, and a little less smoky compared to the standard Laphroaig. However, considering the cost, I doubt it would be a worthwhile purchase. Sampled from a small bottle.

Not to my preference as the peat level is higher than I prefer. Even so, you are consuming something remarkably good regardless.