Laphroaig Càirdeas 2008

Reflections on Feis Ile 2018. We acquired several samples at Laphroaig's filling fair during Open Day. What's the filling fair? A paradise for Laphroaig enthusiasts. For 15 pounds, we received a card for 4 drams and 4 games in a distillery outbuilding. The included drams were remarkable, featuring Laphroaig 25, old and rare limited editions like Cask Strength Batch 001, vintage Cairdeas expressions, and 12 and 14-year-old single casks tapped specifically for Feis Ile. Game prizes included Laphroaig merchandise and, naturally, more drams. The aroma of this early Cairdeas release, the first for Feis Ile, is like kindling ignited on a cold shoreline: bright, sharp woodsmoke, salt, and coastal earth. The taste is typically medicinal yet sharp, with lemon and citrus notes reminiscent of Ardbeg. The finish is dry and bitter, quite smoky and ashy, more akin to a Caol Ila. This is a curious dram that I could have easily mistaken for a blend of these three distilleries, though it's a bit too dry.