Laphroaig Càirdeas 2011 Ileach Edition

How about some festival whisky? The Feis Ile festival takes place on Islay annually around mid-May, with each distillery dedicating a day. They also produce several special releases for the occasion. Laphroaig offers a Cairdeas (pronounced “car-chess”) bottle, initially available at the festival and then gradually introduced to the market about a month later. This particular bottle is from the 2011 Feis Ile and is named the Ileach Edition (meaning “native of Islay” in Gaelic). Approximately 6,000 bottles were produced, and secondary market prices now exceed $200, a significant jump from the original $60. The whisky consists of 8-year-old stock, fully aged in former Maker's Mark casks, and bottled at around 50.5% ABV. Simple and straightforward. It has a pale, straw-yellow hue, a viscous texture, and creates numerous undefined legs and medium-sized droplets in the glass. The aroma is among the most floral Laphroaigs I've encountered, with restrained smoke intertwined with a creamy vanilla note and a sharp, minty quality. The taste reveals charcoal smoke and a very pronounced minerality, with hints of burnt wood. The young spirit is bold, yet it remains creamy and smooth. The overall coating of the mouth is somewhat light, but the finish is of medium duration, consistently drying, with the mineral notes persisting. Essentially, this is a Laphroaig for Laphroaig enthusiasts, if that makes sense. No embellishments here. It's fittingly named for the Islay natives; they simply enjoy their plainly peated, earthy whisky, which is precisely what this offers. I can appreciate its nature, but I wish I could have purchased it at its initial price, as the $225 I paid at auction feels excessively high. Nevertheless, I'm pleased to have experienced a piece of Laphroaig's history, so it's all good. Awarded 4 stars. Cheers.

The second of two Cairdeas samples kindly provided by a friend is likely the richest Laphroaig I've encountered. How rich? Seven bullet points of my tasting notes mention 'cream' or 'creamy'. The nose offers no hint of it, just subtle peat, but afterward, it's a dairy dream. The palate is creamy and sweet, with a peat level slightly lower than the 10. The finish is - brace yourself - creamy, with a touch of citrus and a prolonged, delicate spice. There might be a faint bitterness beneath the creamy aftertaste, but overall, it's delightful and unique, and I'd love to add a bottle to my Cairdeas collection. My thanks to the generous friend for sharing this rare find I never anticipated tasting. My continuous Cairdeas streak now extends back to 2011, with only three earlier editions left to locate. I'm beaming with satisfaction.

This is the most floral Laphroaig I've encountered, which is surprising considering it's apparently an 8-year-old whisky from first-fill Maker's Mark bourbon barrels. Where are these unexpected notes originating? Vanilla is anticipated, but I also detect notes of Crunch bar (rice and chocolate), lavender, and pine. The palate is more typical, medicinal Laphroaig, with honey, peat, and creosote. Mild smoke, barley, oil, and tar conclude the experience. This is another solid Cairdeas release, and the floral notes on the nose make it a memorable one.