SMWS bottled this teenage Laphroaig over a decade ago— somehow 2014 feels like it was just a few years back, but it’s quickly slipping so far back that it feels like a different era. For SMWS it certainly was. At that time far more Laphroaig, Ardbeg, and hard to come by Islay mainstay malts regularly made an appearance. Those are now rare birds.  However, the winds may have shifted, and more than a few independent bottlers have noted the ability to acquire Laphroaig (or Williamson) casks once more.

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Whisky: Laphroaig 14 Year (2000), SMWS 29.158 “The Smoking Gun”

Country/Region: Scotland/Islay

ABV: 61.7%

Cask: Refill Sherry Butt

Age: 14 Years (Distilled 14 April 2000, Bottled 8 Dec. 2014)

Notes: The aroma of an oceanside swimming pool appeared through wafting grill smoke with pool chemicals and seaweed. Plenty of barbecue smoke and burning medicinal herbs followed— perhaps a swim meet barbecue with a muscle rub station. Gradually more acrid parking lot and hot car tires appeared with tar and asphalt. Medium-bodied on the palate, the initial impression was one of sweet charred sugars, fruits, and pepper— it was a spicy and lively whisky with sweet caramelized grilled fruits and brown sugar. Brine and medicinal elements sat further back, while tar, asphalt, and creosote arrived with a touch of rubber. A parking lot barbecue? Don’t mind if I do; though the flavors remained dirty and peppery throughout. The finish was long and slightly drying with caramelized sugars, pepper, and a bit of burnt herbs. 

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Score: 7-8 (85)

Mental Image: Summer Parking Lot

Conclusion: A dram for those who like their whisky with a dirty edge and do not mind a bit of sulfur or acridity. That happens to fit me pretty well, and I thought this demonstrated the beauty of refill sherry cask that accentuates elements already present on the malt— this was no first fill clobbering. Overall, a fine Laphroaig. The combination of sherry cask and peated malt is a classic for a reason.