Whisky Review: Laphroaig Aged 27 Years Limited Edition

Style: Sweet and Complex

Nose:

Smoky stewed fruits, signature sweetness of well-aged Laphroaig. All the elements give way to the perfumed grapefruits, bubble gum, linseed, rosemary and smoked peppermint. Soft aroma of grape vine with a touch of Eau De Vie. Complex, perfumed and very refined.

Palate:

Smoky honey, hint of tar, more tropical fruits simmering. Grapefruits, white grapes all baked into incredible tenderness. Reminds me a bit of Sauternes. Peat burning lightly, barley sugar with a puff of smoke. Flavours blossom beautifully overtime. Marine tide rises towards the back, chocolate almond finish.

Finish:

Smoked almonds, canned pineapples and other barbeque fruits with lingering malt.

Thoughts:

Pleasingly complex. Flavours keep developing in the glass with great composure. While I haven’t tried a lot of Laphroaigs maturing beyond 25 years, it is a beautiful scene to watch when all the Laphroaig elements subside gracefully and let classy fruits to shine. If only it pumps up at a higher ABV for better intensity, but sadly this is only 41.7%… Maybe there are a few good casks going under 40% which need to be rescued? A graceful expression nonetheless.

☆☆ [Highly Recommended]

[41.7% • 2017 March Bottled • 1988 October to 1989 November Distilled • Original Bottling • Natural Cask Strength • Limited Edition • Double Maturation of First-fill Bourbon barrels and Refill Quarter casks • **-]

-Esmond