A friend chucked at the name of this bottle, they could not imagine a group of man around a table having consumed a whole lot of the pregnancy tea. I have no idea the mix of individuals involved in the SMWS panels, only that most of them are respected members of the industry, generally living in Scotland. I imagine that few women were on the tasting panel before the 2000s, but that has almost certainly changed with far more women drinking scotch and working in the industry.  So was the panel all men in 2011?  Maybe, but maybe some of them enjoy a dram or two of pregnancy tea on occasion!   The title certainly promised a more herbal and potentially floral character on this early 90s Laphroaig.

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Whisky: Laphroaig 20 Year (1991), SMWS 29.124 “Pregnancy Tea Mix”

Country/Region: Scotland/Islay

ABV: 56.9%

Cask: Refill Sherry Butt

Age: 20 Years (Distilled 14 Oct. 1991, Bottled Sept. 2012)

Notes: Rock pools, wispy smoke, and herbs— there was something floral and relaxing on the aroma, like stepping into a natural hot spring infused with rose, plum blossom, peppercorns, camphor, and rosemary. Certainly medicinal, but more spa than herbal tincture, a gentler balancing of the humors. Medium-bodied  and oily on the palate, peppercorns popped first with some heady brine, giving this a different vibe than the aroma. Peppercorns and herbal concoctions with cod liver oil, thyme, rosemary, fenugreek, lemongrass, creosote, and camphor appeared to cure me of my ails— a bit of old-fashioned medicine with a briny mineral element. Charcoal and more subtle hints of lemon rind and florals appeared near the end. The finish was medium-length with a bit of tar, creosote, brine, and grass lingering with plenty of ticklish pepper.

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Score: 7 (85)

Mental Image: Mountain Spa Getaway

Conclusion: The aroma and palate felt slightly mismatched, reversing the intensity of flavors elements. While the flavor profile on the palate pointed in the direction of Laphroaig, the aroma was surprisingly mellow and gentle— it was like hearing soft music, only to open the door and realize how well the walls had damped the cacophony of sound. It was easy to see similarities between this and the anonymous (Laphroaig) 30-something Year Islay of this vintage released by Signatory Vintage and Thompson Brothers among others. Though most of those had mellowed out their peppery edge with an extra decade or so in the cask. Overall, a pleasant sipper; more so the kind of whisky I enjoy pouring for others than drinking myself.