Distillery: Laphroaig
District: Islay
Bottler: Scotch Malt Whisky Society (#29.161)
Bottled: 2014
Age: 14 years old
Cask type: Refill ex-sherry
Strength: 60.4% abv

I was lucky enough to try this at back to back tasting in May and on both occasions I was blown away, by what this offered. There’s something about this Laphroaig over some of the older society bottlings that was different and just so very incredible.

Colour: Whisky

Nose – There’s an intensity to this, from the heavy peatiness, with strong medicinal characteristics, germolene, antiseptic bandages. There’s a saltiness there with a hint of burnt toast. You can’t ignore the sweetness coming from the cask here. There’s a rich christmassy sweetness of stewed fruits. There’s a lot of depth which promises so much.
Palate – The nose promises so much and it delivers by the bucket load. Everything and more you’d expect from a sherry cask Laphroaig. Peaty, salty, sweet and medicinal.
Finish – The finish last and is so pleasant. There’s a rich fruity, smokey acidity there that just keeps giving and giving. It’s so chewy and you just want more.
Verdict – If it hadn’t been for the incredible Port Charlotte earlier in the year, this would be my number one dram of 2015 so far. And it’s definitely in my top 5 drams of all time as it stands. There’s something about SMWS Laphroaig’s at present, there’s not been a bad one and every single one has just been so good. And this is the stand out of them all! And, I never got a bottle when I had then chance. GUTTED.

Rating: Sold out

Tasted on 14 & 21 May 2015 by Stuart