Laphroaig Càirdeas 2019 Triple Wood Cask Strength

ISLAY SHOWDOWN 3: CASK STRENGTH DIVISION Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength vs Laphroaig Cairdeas Triple Wood vs Ardbeg Corryvreckan Comparing whiskies side-by-side is enjoyable and informative; you might think you know a spirit well, but tasting it next to another can reveal new facets. In this third installment of my Islay competition (see "NEW AND OLD ISLAY SHOWDOWN: Lagavulin 8 vs Laphroaig 10", 7/27/22; and "ISLAY SHOWDOWN 2: HEAVYWEIGHT DIVISION", 7/29/22), we examine three potent bottlings: Laphroaig Cask Strength, Laphroaig Cairdeas Triple Wood, and Ardbeg Corryvreckan. Since I previously reviewed Ardbeg Corryvreckan vs Uigeadail (6/2/22), I opted not to include both, and left out the Oogie due to its stronger sherry influence, which is less typical for Islay. I would have preferred not to feature two Laphroaigs, but my other Islay whiskies are not cask strength (an issue I need to address). I'm not fond of adding water to cask strength bourbons; in fact, I never do. There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, distillers themselves do not do it. If a distiller offers different versions of the same whisky, it's usually just two – the only difference being the water added to dilute the cask-strength bottling (if one exists) to the standard bottling. Let's take Laphroaig 10 as an illustration: the Cask Strength (batch 013) is 57.9% ABV, while the standard Laphroaig 10 is simply the cask strength diluted with water to 43% ABV. If Laphroaig, or any other distiller, wished to demonstrate how different dilution levels 'open up' a spirit, they could create a marketing campaign offering 46%, 49%, 52%, 55%, and then the cask strength bottling to showcase these dilutions. While this is an extreme scenario, determining the optimal ABV (i.e., dilution) could be done internally. The Distillery Manager at Laphroaig could ascertain this to enhance the whisky's unique characteristics. Clearly, the 43% ABV version isn't the ideal: 43% is a common strength among many distillers, just above the minimum to suggest 'quality' and indicate a focus beyond pure economics. Nor is the cask-strength version necessarily ideal. If adding water to cask strength whisky enhances it, why wouldn't the distiller decide the ideal water amount for maximum complexity and flavor, then offer 1) a cask-strength version for purists, 2) a 'lower proof' version for broader market appeal and profitability, and 3) an optimized ABV identified by the distiller as best (which could also be a clever marketing tactic, varying year to year)? Secondly, when a consumer adds water, it's done subjectively, without a clear method, whether using a dropper, a splash, or even flicking water in with fingers. Not only is the water quantity arbitrary, but the amount of whisky being diluted is often unknown, making the resulting ABV a mere guess. And let's not even mention ice, which is a double disadvantage: the amount of frozen water is uncertain, and chilling the spirit dulls the flavor profile (both taste and aroma). It's basic physics: colder temperatures slow molecular movement, diminishing the spirit's offerings. Naturally, individuals are free to enjoy their drinks as they see fit. Lahphroaig 10 Cask Strength Batch 013 (L10CS) Nosing immediately brings to mind apples – distilled apple resin – followed by molasses, clove, rosemary-infused grapefruit sorbet (warmed), cocoa powder, orange creamsicle (essence thereof), maple syrup, some oaky vanilla, and balanced ethanol. Smoky peat is present, of course. And the expected iodine and seaweed. The intensity (57.9% ABV) reappears at mid-palate, revealing a more medicinal quality, and everything integrates into an inexplicable harmony. The finish offers malted barley and bacon fat. It's exceptionally good. 4.75 out of 5 stars. Laphroaig Cairdeas Triple Wood (LCTW) Unlike the L10CS, this is NAS (no age statement). The aroma is much sweeter, with smoky peat caramel, vanilla, sweetened cappuccino, brown sugar, and milk chocolate. This sweetness carries through to the palate, where the alcohol heat is more pronounced than in the L10CS: it's a couple of percentage points higher, but the various sweet notes don't tame the heat as effectively as the complex character of the L10CS does. The finish has a hint of sherry-influenced hazelnut and some dry woodiness. 4.0 out of 5 stars. Ardbeg Corryvreckan (AC) NAS, similar to the LCTW. It has the lightest color of the three, a clear straw hue. Surprisingly bready and malty compared to the other two. Also features smoked ham, the typical Islay profile (smoky peat, seaweed, iodine), and a subtle underlying sweetness, which is much less intense than usual (has anyone ever described an Ardbeg as 'subtle'?!). It's more intense and typically Ardbeg on the palate, but without the boldness of the L10CS and LCTW. The finish is sweet with heat, and a touch of pepper. 4.0 out of 5 stars (previously 4.5). Ardbeg Corryvreckan is a well-known (and highly regarded) Islay whisky. However, when compared to these two Laphroaigs, it wasn't what I anticipated. I conducted a side-by-side comparison with Ardbeg Corryvreckan and Uigeadial some weeks ago (6/2/22). It's worth recalling my previous assessment of AC: "The nose displays abundant smoky peat, Islay iodine and saltiness, Japanese nori, asphalt, and a hint of bacon fat. It has a penetrating, mouth-coating entry, adding chocolate to the profile, and concludes with a spicy, white pepper finish. The 57.1% ABV provides a good balance to Corryvreckan's full-bodied character." Next to the two Laphroaigs, AC presents as a different spirit. This is my initial experience with Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength, and it certainly won't be my last. It stands out as the clear victor in this comparison, and it's difficult to imagine it being improved. Laphroaig Cairdeas Triple Wood is a very respectable second place, though noticeably behind, offering a pleasantly sweet profile for an Islay whisky. Ardbeg was disappointing by comparison. It's still a good dram, but ranked lower this time compared to its sweeter counterpart, Uigeadial. Note: All spirits were tasted neat in a Glencairn glass.

The 15-year shows a muted Islay character; its qualities are much less showy than the others. It's not uninspired, though. Imagine a bell curve: somewhat subtle on the nose (but still very intricate), more intense on the palate, and then finishing with elegance. Picture a cozy cabin or a wood-paneled study, a fire going, cold autumn mist outside (in Scotland or elsewhere), with Mendelssohn’s Hebrides overture playing softly. And this whisky, neat, with the bottle within reach for a top-up. It's thoughtful, introspective, and polished. A quick search online indicates this expression can now be found for $500-$600 (it was a limited release). I believe I spent about $100 a few years ago, and I'm pleased with that purchase. Would I buy it again? No. I am very happy I purchased it at a much lower cost, though. It's magnificent, and I'm glad to have the chance to experience it (I have about a quarter of a bottle remaining). 4.5 out of 5 stars (unchanged from my assessment on 8/12/22). 43% ABV. 15-year age statement. The 10-year has a less vibrant amber hue (Pantone 142). Seaweed, saltiness, antiseptic, a damp cellar, and indeed, burning peat. A terracotta pot (strangely reminiscent of notes found in some sangiovese wines), but this pot is, of course, saturated with seawater. A tire shop. Burning sap. Faint fruity notes are also present: apple juice, overripe banana, and cantaloupe. Peanut brittle (a new observation). On the palate, some of that melon sweetness reappears and persists into the finish, before being coated in ash. Laphroaig is a classic Islay whisky and is available for approximately $50. Would I purchase it again? Yes. 4.25 out of 5 stars. 43% ABV. 10-year age statement. This expression has a slightly deeper amber color than the 10-Year (Pantone 143). How much space do we have for the extensive list of descriptions? Adhesive bandage. Motor oil. Engine grime. Sea spray (the facial toner) and the sea breeze (the wind from the ocean). Propylene glycol (also known as antifreeze). Dried seaweed. Wakame (i.e., kelp). Antiseptic solution. A funky quality. Malted milk candies. Cocoa powder (especially right after tasting the 10-Year). The alcohol is not detectable on the nose. It has an oily, coating mouthfeel on the palate, with intense honey and candied ginger. Then the cask-strength alcohol appears, but it's balanced by the other elements. A long finish with ash-coated, smoky butterscotch. The Cask Strength version is extraordinary. It possesses not only immense complexity in its range but also significant depth. The bottle I possess is the only LCS I've ever encountered. When I acquired it, it was the only one I'd seen available. The Cask Strength can be found online for under $90. At that price, it might be the best value in the entire world of whiskies. Would I buy this again? Yes. It's the essence of Islay. 4.75 out of 5 stars. 57.9% ABV. 10-year age statement. Batch 013. Bottled January 2021. A deep orange-amber color (Pantone 144). Peat smoke, ash, iodine, zesty barbecue sauce, damp cardboard, tomato vine, slightly overcooked pancakes, star fruit, a concrete block, honeyed citrus, a hint of caramel, and vanilla. On the palate: a light viscosity and sweetness, and the 59.5% ABV makes a pleasant contribution. Some honeyed sweetness on the finish, followed by white pepper, a bandage note, and iodine. Every Laphroaig bottling showcases intricacy. Its Islay regional character is far more apparent than any Bordeaux or Burgundy; there's absolutely no question about its origin. The Càirdeas adds another dimension with its varied cask maturation: bourbon, quarter casks, European oak, and Oloroso sherry. The quarter casks (I'm unsure how long the spirit spends in them) theoretically increase the wood's interaction with the spirit, somewhat compensating for the absence of an age statement. I could spend all evening just smelling this (I'd have to drink it too). It's that exceptional. The various releases are typically priced between $80-$90. Would I purchase it again? Yes. I gave it a 4.0 rating in my previous review (8/12/22). It deserves better than that. 4.25 out of 5 stars. 59.5% ABV. No Age Statement. Non-chill filtered. These individual bottlings reflect the typical Laphroaig profile, yet they are distinct. Each is a complex, stimulating whisky. What most impressed me during this comparison was the fruitiness and subtle sweetness I detected in each, which was slightly more pronounced than I remembered. Laphroaig's tasting notes offer more than just 'burning hospital.' Laphroaig's special editions, such as the Càirdeas, are more traditional and reserved compared to, for instance, Ardbeg, which tends to be more adventurous with its unusual offerings. I appreciate their more classic approach. While Laphroaig isn't my daily drink, I always ensure I have a few of their bottles in my collection. Note: All spirits were sampled neat in a Glencairn glass.

Today, a YouTube video by Erik Wait discussing whisky scoring prompted me to reflect on my own criteria and why young peated whiskies often receive high scores, while I'm seldom truly impressed. I've decided to outline my preferences and how this particular whisky measures up, something I don't typically detail extensively in my notes but perhaps warrants consideration. 1) Intrinsic Quality: Assuming all other factors are equal, we generally recognize what constitutes a quality or expensive note. Young and old whiskies can both be good or bad, but identifying notes of new make spirit in a young whisky, in my opinion, signifies flaws. Conversely, excessive oak that leads to bitterness could complement a finishing or sweet malt, but can quickly become a significant drawback. Both types of 'flaws' can be discussed as such, whereas intense and extreme smoke is often a favorable characteristic of youth, much like rich oak or complex transitions and depth can be positive attributes of older whisky. 2) Aroma: I believe many reviewers undervalue the olfactory experience, focusing primarily on flavor. For me, this is a crucial aspect, especially when considering reviews scoring 3.5 stars and above. 3) Depth, Complexity, Transitions, and Nuance: The whisky needs to offer significant character, either through a singular, potent note (a sherry bomb might lack transitions but possess immense complexity within that single flavor) or through the evolution of flavors before the finish. 4) Finish: The conclusion of a whisky can either elevate it or leave it utterly underwhelming. 5) Impact: To surpass a 3.5-star rating, the whisky must genuinely impress me in at least two of these categories. Now, regarding this specific whisky: Nose - Sweetness is present, with a hint of plum pudding (perhaps suggesting the sherry cask influence), noticeable oak, and the characteristic Laphroaig malt, which I perceive as citrus notes and pleasant vanilla. Taste - I detect medicinal and earthy notes, along with a substantial amount of vanilla (I find myself comparing it to a superior 10 Year Old Cask Strength, though I may prefer the sherry/quarter cask with bourbon). Finish - It's of medium length, but lacks significant development. It presents medicinal and oak notes, akin to a standard Laphroaig finish. So, why the considerable enthusiasm? It's undeniably bold, with many flavors that seem unblended or not fully integrated. However, this does contribute to a fairly decent level of complexity. There's a youthful note at the end, not necessarily unrefined, but perhaps not fully ready. Many Islay enthusiasts might not find this off-putting or consider it a flaw, and if you anticipate it, perhaps it won't be an issue. Similarly, the finish is longer than average for a dram, thanks to the cask strength, but little is truly happening – you simply get to appreciate a very nice, pleasant note. Its full body and exceptionally coating mouthfeel are qualities I appreciate, and I'm sure many others do too. Therefore, my rating is a 3.5, leaning closer to 3.25 than 4.0. A score of 2.0 signifies average, 3.0 means very good, and 4.0 is outstanding, with anything higher representing the absolute best. Ultimately, the whisky is complex but not exceptionally so; the finish is long but not remarkable; and while the nose is very enjoyable, it doesn't compel me to return repeatedly. For under $100, it represents good value, and some may indeed rate it higher based on that consideration.

Nose: Served neat, it's powerful, bold, and assertive, with sooty smoke against a dominant backdrop of rich, sweet oak. Sherry, tarred ropes, pine resin, fried walnuts, citrus peel, leather, cloves, and strong tobacco all stand out clearly, with a slight trace of vanilla and the typical Laphroaig licorice. However, most of these aromas are overshadowed by a massive amount of oak. With water, a strong aroma of sawdust or pencil shavings emerges, and the nose's assertiveness is tempered, though it does lose some character. Palate: Tasted neat, it's a complex sledgehammer on arrival. Sweet cigar smoke, kalamata olives in brine and olive oil, bitter dark chocolate, blackstrap molasses, licorice, and black pepper. There's a complex and immense phenolic quality to the palate which, combined with all the oak tannin, creates a bitter herbal characteristic. With added water, the palate becomes considerably sweeter and more interesting, with layered waxy lemon, fruity notes, and many new oily nuances revealed. The texture becomes creamier and more pleasant. While dilution's effect on the nose is debatable, for the palate, it's essential. Finish: Very long. Smoke, phenols, vegemite, and brine. The aftertaste is slightly salty and a bit sour - it genuinely tastes like freshly cut peat moss and oak tannin. Adding water significantly softens the finish but doesn't harm it. Some sweetness is released to balance the herbal bitterness, which is very welcome. By the way, the information on the Spirit listings for this is incorrect - it is 59.5% abv, not 51.4%. This is not a subtle whisky. It possesses all the nuance and expression of a runaway steam locomotive, and it smells like one too - at least one hauling several dozen carloads of fresh resinous timber. I'd also wager that the components of this are mostly quite young. It lacks the finesse of truly aged Laphroaig and benefits notably from dilution (apart from the nose, which loses definition). While this is much more intense and spectacular than the regular Triple Wood, I wouldn't want to drink it every day, or pay the going rate here of $275 a bottle. It's a spectacle designed to stun and amaze, not a quiet evening's conversation. However, I'd be fascinated to taste this again if they put it into a good refill bourbon cask and let it mature for another 10 years. I believe it would then be something truly special. Many thanks to a friend and a friend for the opportunity to taste this highly expressive whisky as a 30 ml sample. Also, as it's my last review of 2019, I'd like to extend my best wishes to everyone in the community for a happy, safe, and prosperous 2020. May the force of whisky be with you, always. "Good": 84/100 (3.75 stars)

The 2016-2018 releases positioned Cairdeas as a potential favorite line of mine in all of whisk(e)y. All three were exceptional in their own ways. I have not yet tried the standard Triple Wood expression, but I appreciated how the 2017 elevated an already solid Quarter Cask to remarkable levels. Let's hope this one also delivers at cask strength. Nose: The Laphroaig campfire smoke is present but considerably subdued compared to other releases. The sea salt, brine, and seaweed notes persist. Saltwater taffy, salted caramel, and pretzel rods are noticeable; lots of salt. Smoked meats and chili are present, but again, quieter than I'd anticipate from Laphroaig. With time in the glass, these elements and the smoke become more prominent. Lime, grapefruit, and strawberry emerge in the background. Vanilla and blackberry jam are also detected. A very pleasant peat bomb, with a twist. Palate: An intriguing blend of smoky peat and sweet characteristics. Campfire smoke and iodine are prominent initially. Lemon citrus, sea salt, brine, and seaweed follow. Smoked meat and black bean red pepper chili are also present. Beyond the typical Laphroaig profile lies some artificial candied sweetness. Strawberry, salted caramel, milk chocolate, vanilla, and blackberry jam are detected. Cinnamon red hots and a significant amount of black pepper are also notable. Fantastic. Finish: Extremely hot, in a positive way. You get just enough campfire smoke to avoid discomfort. Strawberry and blackberry notes are present, along with some citrus. All the briny elements appear, followed by oak, cinnamon, and a substantial amount of black pepper. It lasts for a very long time. It's certainly a potent whisky. Flavorful and engaging. I enjoy it considerably. However, it feels somewhat fragmented. Certain notes don't quite harmonize, and the transitions are abrupt. To be fair, I'm comparing it to the 2016-2018 releases, and it falls short of all of them. I set a high standard, and it didn't quite meet it. However, let me be clear, it's an exceptionally good whisky. At $75, it represents excellent value. If you're a Laphroaig enthusiast, I recommend getting this. I intend to revisit the standard Triple Wood after trying this one. I will try this again before finalizing my assessment, solely because this particular line has consistently been outstanding. Regardless, this is a very good drink.

Continuing my Laphroaig exploration with a sample of the 2019 Cairdeas Triple Wood, kindly shared by a friend. The aroma begins with honey butter on toasted sourdough, smoked salmon, and leather-bound books, then light floral notes, blonde espresso, and dark chocolate-covered raisins, followed by caramelized pears, grilled peaches, and musty grapes. It shifts to light ginger and the scent of a newly opened can of tennis balls, with a moderate ethanol burn. The taste presents a medium to full mouthfeel, starting with creamy, slightly tart red berries. This gives way to a moderate bitter spice that gradually fades into tangy barbecued brisket, grilled figs, and freshly lit pipe tobacco. Notes of spicy dark chocolate mocha, mild ocean brine, and toasted marshmallow follow, then caramelized pears, sautéed strawberries, and musty grapes. The profile evolves into light ginger, diesel fumes, and polished oak, with a strong ethanol burn. The finish is long, commencing with a blend of sweet orchard and sour berries, transitioning to tangy smoked brisket, dark chocolate mocha, asphalt, mild ocean brine, and mild black tea. The aroma is surprisingly gentle, offering a beautifully balanced mix with sweet honey and toasted oak upfront, subtly underscored by lightly smoked meats, fading into slightly sour citrus that invites a taste. It swiftly reminds you of its near 60% ABV with a slightly sour berry impact on the palate, followed by a moderate spice that eventually yields to rich barbecued meats, grilled fruits, berries, and polished oak. The finish begins sweet with a hint of sourness before fading into rich barbecued meats and earthy spices that linger for minutes. Considering its release price of around $90, these cask strength Islay offerings were very reasonably priced, presenting an intriguing variation on the Laphroaig character. I would gladly acquire a bottle if available at that price today. Ratings for the series thus far: 10-year cask strength batch 11- 3.75 10-year sherry oak finish- 4.0 Lore- 4.0 2019 Cairdeas Triple Wood- 3.75