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.