Whisky: Laphroaig 16 Year SMWS 29.179 “Tarry ropes on a wooden boat”

Country/Region: Scotland/Islay

ABV: 51.6%

Cask: Refill Bourbon Barrel

Age: 16 Year (Distilled 1 July 1999)

Nose: Classically Laphroaig, pebble beaches, slightly antiseptic, pepper, tar, hints of grapefruit and orange citrus, salty and mineral-laden, teases of vanilla and chai tea.

Palate: Medium-bodied with candied citrus peel, herbal-medicinal, sweet caramelization over coals, grilled pineapple, and tropical citrus fruits sit behind a slightly earthy grill, tar and hints of peppermint on occasion.

Finish: Long and lingering with candied citrus, pepper, and soot.

Score: 8

Mental Image: Selkies’ Beach Barbecue

Narrative & Notes: The aroma was quintessentially Laphroaig with medicinal and herbal antiseptic notes, maritime shorelines, pebble beaches, and hints of grapefruit and orange rind. Teases of vanilla, black pepper, and chai tea mingled in the background of tar and sea. The palate flipped the script slightly as candied citrus peel and grilled tropical fruits led the way. An herbal-medicinal edge appeared between the sweet caramelization of a barbecue sauce over coals, tar, pepper, and hints of peppermint and swimming pool chemicals. The finish was long and lingering with candied citrus and soot.

A magnificent Laphroaig, this was maritime, medicinal, and touched with tar while also being faintly tropical and citrusy. The malt was trapped between the brash notes of youthful Laphroaig and the subtle herbal-fruity profile of an older one— like a butterfly trapped mid-metamorphosis. Well-structured, the layers of fruit, salt, and grill slowly peeled away with every sip. A few drops of water brought out more of the fruity side while toning down the medicinal and tar notes and giving the dram a bit more wax to the mouthfeel.