Reviews of scotch and world whiskies by a history professor, his wife, bird, and three cats.

Laphroaig 8 Year (2006), Cooper's Choice Cask 1343

Laphroaig 8 Year (2006), Cooper's Choice Cask 1343

Whisky: Laphroaig 8 Year (2006), Cooper's Choice Cask 1343

Country/Region: Scotland/Islay

ABV: 46%

Cask: Sherry Butt

Age: 8 Years (Distilled 2006, Bottled 2014)


Nose: Fruit-scented antiseptic cleaning solutions, rusted corrugated iron and grill grates provided a metallic edge to maritime brine, burning beachgrass, and menthol with hints of fruit popsicles.

Palate: Light-bodied with crisp maritime brine, acrid burning beach debris, hot asphalt, and salted plums; dried grass with more subtle metallic iron lingered with driftwood and a kiss of citrus.

Finish: Medium-length and slightly drying with an herbal-grassy quality and subtle brine.


Score: 6 (78)

Mental Image: Abandoned Seaside Amusement Park

Narrative & Notes: Not the kind of whisky that blows socks off, but it made for a lovely sipper, especially during a spell of cold and rain. Considering the sherry maturation, I was a bit surprised not to find more fruit on the palate. Even the aroma it was relatively subtle, with the sherry influence typically more coming through as if I were nosing an experimental grape-scented industrial cleaning agent. Trust me, let’s stick to the fresh, clean smell of citrus for our antiseptics.

Overall, pleasant and easy to drink— the lower abv left the mouthfeel a touch light, but the flavors were crisp and clear.  The result was something like the teddy bear version of Laphroaig— soft and cuddly, not likely to maul you.

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

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

February 2024 Digest

February 2024 Digest