Whisky: Laphroaig 10 Year (2012), Douglas Laing Cask DL16599 for K&L

Country/Region: Scotland/Islay

ABV: 53.4%

Cask: Refill Barrel

Age: 10 Years (Distilled April 2012, Bottled Oct. 2022)

Nose: Maritime brine and burning acrid medicine herbs, creosote and fresh pavement carried the aroma toward charred lemony citrus and sizzling pork fat; perhaps a paving crew taking a break to make pork belly plate lunch?

Palate: Medium-bodied, maritime brine and charred lemon peel, medicinal herbs, fresh asphalt with hints of cordite and old fireworks, citrus and antiseptic solutions developed later as the medicinal herbs returned with hints of metal and meat— the grill seemingly more distant now.

Finish: Medium-length with soft smoke, salt, and medicinal herbs or antiseptic iodine swabs.

Score: 6 (79)

Mental Image: Road Crew Grill Pit

Narrative & Notes: Uncomplicated and delicious— there were no frills on this very pale Laphroaig, which was just about as pure an example of the medicinal and maritime nature of the spirit as one is likely to find.  Compared to the cask strength 10 Year releases from the distillery, I thought this had a softer profile and a more explicit structure as it moved between different flavor notes and notions. I have not been the biggest proponent of the official Cask Strength 10-year release; I find it a bit overly simple and aggressive most years, so this was a bit of a delight in that it offered a more complete package while maintaining core elements of the official release.

Overall, when you want a bruising Islay, it is hard to beat a young Laphroaig— even more so when K&L retails it for the same, or a bit less, as the official release (and at a fantastic discount compared to the official single cask releases that have come around the last few years).