4 tasting notes for Laphroaig whisky

I recently spent the evening at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, where I was treated to an evening with the Friends of Laphroaig, a tasting and fan group for the famous Islay distillery, Laphroaig.

Guiding us through the Laphroaig tasting was Master Ambassador Simon Brooking who, aside from wearing a kilt, kept the entire group well-entertained as he walked us through the selection of 4 whiskies, with a delicate balance of song, humour, fact and love for all things Scottish and whisky related. We were treated to the range of Laphroaig whiskies that are currently available.

Laphroaig Quarter Cask

The Quarter Cask is fermented in a smaller barrel to allow for greater wood-whisky contact. Nosing the whisky, you’ll notice smoke and English toffee aromas, with vanilla, butterscotch and a bit of green straw. Smoky in the mouth ,with a touch of sweetness and creamy textures. A little easier on the body than the 10 Year Old. Retails for around $50 in most markets.

Laphroaig 10 Year Old

A classic Islay expression of peated whisky. It has peated smoke, fusil oil, vanilla, cereal and rich smokiness dominating the nose. Fiery in the mouth, with vanilla, spice, woodsy tones, smoke and a touch of brine followed by a little charred wood. It has some zing and seemed a little sharp on the finish. Retails for about $55 in Canada.

Laphroaig 18 Year Old

This is fairly new to the market and a real treat. Hints of sweet caramel on the nose, with smoke, dried cereal, chocolate, spice, vanilla and lavender. Bottled at 48% alcohol, it might need some water for optimal enjoyment. Very smooth in the mouth, with honey, caramel, dried pear and an almost subdued smokiness. Delicious. Generally about $120 in most markets, but it retails for $175 in Ontario.

Laphroaig 25 Year Old

A mix of Oloroso sherry and bourbon casks are used to make this sublime offering. Peat leads the nose, with honey, orange, cereal, chocolate, brine and apricot. Heated on the palate, with rich grain, apricot, somewhat restrained smoke and a lifted, beautiful floral and apple character on the long finish. Retails for about $550 to $650 in most markets in Canada.

For more information about Laphroaig and the Friends of Laphroaig, visit laphroaig.com.