Laphroaig “Williamson” 6 Year, A.D. Rattray
Whisky : Laphroaig “Williamson” 6 Year, A.D. Rattray
Country/Region : Scotland/Islay
ABV : 61.1%
Cask : Sherry Butt
Age : 6 Years (Distilled 27 April 2011, Bottled 10 Nov. 2017)
Nose : Tar, charred drift wood, and vanilla bean custard. Camphor and chai spice led into burning lamp oil, sweet red bean desserts, and honeyed pastries. A thick smokey rug pervaded everything else as boozy fudge and Irish cream coffee cocktails came to mind.
Palate : Medium bodied and oily with a sharp hit of peat and smoke that parted to reveal bonfires and herbal concoctions. A bit hot and spicy with black peppercorns, tar, fresh asphalt, and salty windswept coastal dunes. Water toned down the aggression and brought forward more fruit and a noticeable sherry influence— with cherries and strawberries covered in caramel and tar.
Finish : Lingering asphalt and vanilla bean
Score : 8
Mental Image : C’thulhu Cultists’ Beach Retreat
Notes : This was awesome. Beach bonfires, herbal potions, elder Gods, and a cool salty breeze— I do not know what more one could ask for. This was young and aggressive, a bit hot at times, but a few drops of water brought out additional complexity while only sacrificing a bit of the asphalt notes on the palate. I definitely have a preference for young heavily peated drams, so it really is not a surprised I loved this. The sherry butt, which I assume was probably a refill due to its limited influence, brought enough fruity notes to bring a nice contrast to the peat. Despite its youthful aggression, this was well balanced and interesting.
Overall, while this is not the sort of thing I am reaching for every night, when you want something that punches you in the face a little, this was excellent.
