Whisky: Laphroaig 15 Year (2006), The Whisky Barrel “It’s Been a Long Way”

Country/Region: Scotland/Islay

ABV: 53.9%

Cask: Hogshead

Age: 15 Years (Distilled 2006, Bottled Oct. 2021)

Nose: Brine, saltwater taffy, salted caramel, mild cream, old bonfire, waterlogged wood, aromatic spices, hints of orange, nougat.

Palate: Medium-bodied, brine, salted smoked caramel, beef tallow, meaty and fatty, mellow herbal spice, charred driftwood, shellfish, black pepper.

Finish: Medium-length and subtle with salt, medicinal herbs, and charred wood.

Score: 6-

Mental Image: Salted Wagyu Beef Caramels

Narrative & Notes: The aroma brought back memories of walking along the docks and the smell of shrimp trawlers— but only for a moment. This was much nicer, though it had a similar maritime richness between its salt, shellfish, waterlogged wood, and tar. The initial maritime qualities faded, and a trip to the candy store was in order with saltwater taffy, salted caramels, caramel creams, nougat, and cinnamon-orange cider. The medium-bodied flavor profile was more savory, though it did start with a sweet, creamy, salty, smokey caramel. The caramel faded to beef tallow and rendered fat on the tongue—beef fat caramels, anyone? A mellow herbal spice appeared at the end, a nod to the medicinal elements of Laphroaig, while charred driftwood, black pepper, and brine clung on the finish. The finish was medium-length, though it faded quickly in intensity with salt, medicinal herbs, and charred wood.

I guess I was expecting a bit more from this Laphroaig. The medicinal edge of the spirit seemed to have been replaced by a malt far creamier than any Laphroaig I have ever tried. It was still plenty maritime with occasional fruit and a lovely meaty backbone, yet the caramel and cream that ran throughout were almost too rich and sweet for my taste. I could see this coming off as a caffe latte and sweet Starbucks beverages to someone else. I reckon The Whisky Barrel agreed, as their tasting notes included “dwarf crater of vanilla pods and the partial eclipse of milk chocolate.”

Overall, not a bad Laphroaig by any measure, but something a bit off-character for the distillery. Surprisingly still available from The Whisky Barrel considering the price (~$140 as of writing) is pretty good for an independently bottled Laphroaig.

Image Credit: The Whisky Barrel