Laphroaig Càirdeas 15 Year

Live coverage from Feis Ile 2018. Laphroaig Cairdeas 15 is the second 'special' 15-year-old release from the distillery in recent years. This bottling differs from the 200th anniversary edition as it exclusively uses Laphroaig's own floor-malted barley, unlike the barley sourced from Port Ellen. This suggests it should be peatier, given Laphroaig peats its own malt to 50-55 ppm compared to the 45 ppm malt from Port Ellen. On the nose, this whisky is medicinal, sweet, and herbaceous, with faint smoke and hints of the tart fruit characteristic of mature Laphroaigs. The palate is well-balanced but somewhat subdued: medicinal, tart fruit, and chocolate-covered pretzels (salty!). It's a bit warmer than anticipated. That tart or sour fruit flavor persists through a very long finish, reminiscent of an Islay May day. Peat smoke and tar are present. It's good, but perhaps unfairly fading compared to other drams this week. Bonus fact: a swan named Gary resides in the shallows of the bay in front of Laphroaig.

This 15-year-old Laphroaig was an unscheduled release in the Cairdeas series – not a cask-strength version like the typical annual bottlings, but a limited edition from first-fill ex-bourbon barrels released in 2017. The aroma is more like the peaty 10 than the fruity 15 Laphroaig released for its 200th anniversary, just a bit milder and sweeter. There's a Meyer lemon note to the sweetness, with a touch of heather and lavender. It starts surprisingly thin and delicate on the palate – the peat is more of a subtle sensation than a dominant characteristic – but then it quickly turns bitter. Afterward, you are left with a sour aftertaste. Despite producing much great whisky, Laphroaig often seems content to bottle subpar liquid. This is one of those instances.

Time for review 201! I wanted this to be something special following my break. The aroma presented substantial lavender/florals alongside the characteristic TCP/iodine pleasantness. Peat smoke is present, accompanied by faint fruit. On the palate, rhubarb was noticeable, together with excessively bitter dark chocolate. To remedy this, I introduced a couple of water droplets from an eye dropper. This revealed more of the initial bourbon cask oak characteristics, along with some caramel/honey and creme brûlée for improved equilibrium. The finish is moderate but dry. A touch too sharp without the added drops for my preference, but I enjoyed the peanuts/cashews aftertaste. 3.75 out of 5. The theme should be a sophisticated classic. Billy Joel's "Uptown Girl" is fitting.

A subtle vanilla flavor, rich with a caramel and toffee-like essence. Almost immediately, there's a gentle build to a peaty and warm finish on the palate. After some time without drinking Laphroaig, the lingering aftertaste is an authentic and mild sea breeze flavor, which I believe is what makes Laphroaig so special.

The nose carries a scent of vanilla smoke with many sweet qualities. The initial sip floods the mouth with a flavor resembling pepper or chili peppers. It's generally sweet, with minimal smoke flavor until the aftertaste. The finish is brief.

A hint of bourbon, with a distinct smoky taste from Laphroaig. Lacks sufficient sweetness in my opinion.