So there I am (pictured) minding my own business, when Laphroaig sends me an e-mail update regarding...Cáirdeas? Cáirdeas (pronounced Car-dess) is an ancient Gaelic word meaning friendship, goodwill or alliance.
The e-mail continued on that 300 cases of this extra special whisky have been arranged for sale in Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington. As a Chicago resident, that's welcome news! As a big fan of various Laphroaig expressions, I was at Binny's the next day to pick-up my first bottle (well, technically our scotch dog courier Rocky [actually pictured above] picked it up but that's neither here nor there)...
The scotch: 8 yr, cask strength at 50.5% abv, light gold color, ~$60 750 ml
From John Campbell, Laphroaig Distillery Manager: "I wanted to create a single expression, but something rather different. After much careful sampling (tough job!) I found a fantastic set of Makers Mark ex-bourbon barrels that have been maturing in No.1 warehouse right by the sea for 8 years. The quality of the barrels was such that the spirit had the smoothness of a much older whisky yet had an extraordinary set of flavours that can sometimes get lost in older expressions. It goes without saying that the characteristic “peat punch” is there in spades, but balanced with a beautiful set of spices and fruits."
Tasting notes
Nose: Heavy alcohol first fading into sharp, sweet peat. Floral bouquets and sugar cane.
Palate: At first a smooth yet mysterious bitey peat puts the primer coat on the palate. It's letting me know this multi-layered bottle of sweetness is settling in and going to stay awhile. Once adjusted after a few sips, the whisky continues to roll in like the glimmering Islay sea. Vibrant splashes of caramel, vanilla, and peat meet lightly burnt seaweed, charcoal, and bourbon mash. Adding a splash of water helps soften the whisky, blending the flavors nicely together. Also, helps bring down the spice level a couple of notches.
Finish: Medium-heavy thickness, with water a medium that begins to resemble the standard 10 yr feel (uncut). Importantly, this is where the Makers Mark bourbon taste really shines, and part of the reason I appreciate this one more with each tasty dram! For each sip the final curtain finishes like a glass of Makers with a lasting shot of spicy, burnt peat.
Final Thoughts: Stays true to the signature Laphroaig combo of huge peat with an enticing sweetness while adding in significant notes from Makers Mark. I would say similar (but undoubtedly inferior!) results might be achieved by blending Laphroaig Cask Strength/Makers Mark at 70/30, respectively. It's exciting to see a new addition to the Laphroaig family (if only a summer vacation in a few states). In the end, stays true for fans of Laphroaig and especially rewarding if you have the occasional taste for bourbon. Above average value for the price.
Rating: 3.7
Laphraoig
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Sounds interesting, especially the Makers Mark comparison.
P.S. I’ve banned Tiger from hanging out with Rocky. He’s a bad influence.
How is Rocky being a Scotch journalist a bad thing?
Hey guys, I love the dog! I’ve got a black and white Shih Tzu. I’ve caught him stealing some of my cheese, but thankfully he stays out of my whisky cabinet.
I live in Pennsylvania and have seen this Laphroaig around for a while, but can’t make up my mind whether to try it. I’ll probably pass, as I’m still exploring what I like. I wasn’t a HUGE fan of the Quarter Cask (though I liked it), but in retrospect I keep thinking about it and want to try some more Laphroaig.
Ryan, thanks for the comments. Rocky is 1/2 poodle, 1/2 shih tzu and is very excited about scotch. I’d say he is excited about everything and actually winces at the smell of alcohol. Cheese on the other hand…
From a whisky perspective it sounds like you’re beginning to explore the wide world of scotch. Not too far removed from just getting started myself I have been making it point to try many different brands to see what they offer, versus spending too much time in one area. Laphroaig is somewhat unique with newer scotch drinkers, seems everyone has an opinion on it and it is either a big thumbs up or down (too smokey).
Some other brands you may want to check out are the Balvenie and Highland Park. If you find yourself loving the Laphroaig smoke, Ardbeg is a must.
Cheers!
Mike, good advice. Indeed, my scotch journey is less than a year old, being a bourbon-only guy before that (well, and beer, wine, etc). I have been trying to get out and try a lot of stuff, in fact that has been a bit of a problem if you know what I mean – I need to dial it down a bit! Highland Park is a favorite, and indeed, I like Ardbeg 10 a bit more than Laphroaig QC. Balvenie is on my list to try – I was thinking about picking up the 15 yr SB sometime soon. I see from your review that you probably wouldn’t try to discourage me from that!
Ryan, the Balvenie is undoubtedly one of the brand favorites at Dram of Scotch! Each expression in their range is unique, really hard to wrong when choosing a Balvenie in my opinion. I’m all over the place on which Balvenie is my favorite, it changes as often as weather in the Windy City.
The Single Barrel 15 is fantastic, solid base with some chocolate highlights. Doublewood is the scotch that really had me sold on scotch to begin with! Knowing your interest in the peated expressions I would highly recommend the Balvenie 17 yr Peated Cask – my mouth is watering just writing that
We do not have a review on it yet. If you are willing to throw down a few extra dollars and can find it for less than $100 that’s a good deal, you will not regret it.
Mike, the Peated Cask is available in PA, but it’s $162… a bit high for me. Since we started talking about it, let me ask your opinion about the Doublewood vs. 15 yr SB. I’m not so much worried about the difference between the sherry finish and the bourbon cask – I’m sure they’re both delicious – what worries me is that Doublewood comes in at 43% abv and I’m worried it’ll be too thin and light (a problem I have with many 40-43% whiskies). Some low ABV scotches I think work well: Macallan 12, Glenfiddich 15, Highland Park 12. But many others are just thin, thin, thin. Do you know what I mean? Would you rate the mouthfeel and “presence” of the Doublewood up with those three? I was looking at the SB primarily because it’s bottled at 47%, which is a real good ABV. I can also get the SB for only $10 more than Doublewood. But, I’m always up for getting the cheaper alternative if it’s just as good. What do you think?
Ryan, there is a liquor store nearby which has the Single Barrel and Doublewood at a $10 price difference and I pickup the SB every time. SB is a higher abv and has a more complex and rich taste. The presence on the palate for the SB is better than Doublewood, in my opinion.
While Doublewood is a fine drink, I can drink the SB all night and not feel like I need to change it up. There is something redeeming about the rich complexity in the SB.
I’ll also add that the price of DW/SB can vary highly based on location. For my money, $10 more for the SB is an easy choice. $25+ I would have to think more about it.
Thanks Mike! I’ll probably be picking up the SB soon as it’s on sale, but I may not get to it for a few months. I appreciate the thoughts!
Ryan, you are most welcome, always up for some good scotch talk. Enjoy the SB, cheers!