Ralph
Active Member
- Joined
- Jul 20, 2005
- Messages
- 257
I never thought I would get a chance at this stuff, but thanks to AVB, I was able to get ahold of a bottle. The background on this Laphroaig for those who don't know, is that it starts out like all the other Laphroaigs in the range, in American Oak Bourbon barrels. Whisky of different ages is then transferred into previously unused, specially produced Quarter Casks for a final seven- to eight- month finishing period. The smaller casks allow the whisky to receive 30% more contact with wood than other whiskies in traditional barrels, which would definitely change the original product. It's finally bottled, unchillfiltered, at 48%. I couldn't find an age statement anywhere.
Well, here goes my first review in the Saloon.
The initial aroma was typical Laphroaig with all its iodine infused, salty, peaty harshness. I LOVE IT! There was also a hint of that sweet vanilla-rubbery aroma that you find on a new beach ball.The first taste was also typical Laphroaig; salty, oily, medicinal, smokey, but it was much smoother than the 10 year-old. Not mellowed like the 15 year-old, but it had an almost silky, creamy quality to it.
After a few sips, I added about five or six drops of water and the nose just exploded with white chocolate. I was not expecting that! The white chocolate seemed to soften the peat and smokiness but did not mute those flavors at all. In the finish I also tasted a subtle presence of oak (from the increased contact withe the smaller casks I would assume) and some hints of perfectly toasted bread, things that I've never noticed in any Laphroaig product. As the dram went down I drew in a big breath and the heat just warmed my lungs. The Quarter Cask is a fantastic dram. It takes all of the qualities I love in my beloved 10 year-old and adds some really nice accents to it. Looking forward to hearing thoughts of others.
