Single Malts of Scotland Laphroaig 9 year old Cask Strength 2013

Aroma: Earthy and sweet. Pine resin is joined by sticky BBQ sauce. Sea spray and cooling mint leaves cut through the richness. Taste: Complex. Embers from a BBQ fire are layered with robust, tarry notes. Licorice and dark chocolate provide a luscious, earthy combination with the comforting flavors of black tea, lemon, and honey. Finish: Fire dissipates to leave white pepper and a depth of flavor from umami and eucalyptus. Reviewed by: Producer

Nose: Salt air, salted caramel apple, almost a brie note. Vanilla. Smoldering peat fire on the beach. Sweet oak. Crème brûlée. Palate: Strongly pungent Laphroaig peat and a nice amount of heat that mellows. Creamy vanilla. Strong wet/smoldering campfire. Robust. A nice chili spice as it transitions to the finish. Finish: Sweet, funky peat, a nice robust oak tannin.

Nose: Crème brûlée, pungent peat, vanilla sugar, a fresh, young malt character. Salted caramel apple, molasses. A subtle earthy note. Palate: Surprisingly sweet, crystalline brown sugar, phenolic peat, cinnamon. Granny Smith apple. Caramel. Finish: Oaky, phenolic peat, a hint of sea water.