I really enjoyed tasting this one! A bold whisky with many layers, a very interesting dram.
Laphroaig have looked to the past on this one, attempting to recreate the whiskies transported in smaller casks during the early 19th century.
Following initial maturation in larger casks, the whisky is transferred into quarter casks for a second maturation period. These smaller casks provide the maturing whisky with 30% greater contact with the wood compared to Laphroaig’s standard sized barrels. This really amplifies both the maturation process and the influence of oak on the palate.
This whisky is barrier filtered only and bottled at a higher ABV – providing for a richer flavour.
:: Appearance
Light amber gold. Relatively high viscosity (thickness). Good clarity. As the whisky is non chill-filtered (a good thing!), there is some ‘haziness’ or ‘clouding’ if water is added.
:: Aroma
Cereal / malt; peat smoke; sea breeze; seaweed; leather; musty oak / cork; very light toffee; hint of vanilla; moss / forest undergrowth; slight hint of marzipan; and a touch of citrus. An interesting, complex nose.
:: Taste
Cereal / malt characters coming through, touch of sweetness up front (‘bourbon sweetness’ with a hint of vanilla); mouth enveloping peat smoke; moss; pronounced oak coming through – less musty than on the nose – a younger, more ‘brash’ oak character; a hint of citrus; and a touch of white pepper. The whisky has a warming mouth feel given the higher ABV. A rich, captivating whisky with a full mouth feel and complex palate.
:: Finish
A long, lingering finish. While there is some sweetness up front on initial tasting; the finish is dry, salty, smokey, and awash with woody oak characters. Whilst the oak is very pronounced on the finish, it integrates beautifully with all the other characteristics – it just works perfectly. The finish is full, long and savoury.
:: Rating ::
Phenomenal: 93 points
(out of 100 possible points)
Laphroaig Quarter Cask is currently the Feature Whisky in our shop.
Leave a comment if you’ve had a dram of this whisky – let us know what you think!
Slàinthe! (good health)
Luke Summers
This review has been written independently and has not been sponsored by the distillery or it’s parent company. If whiskies have been provided for review, this will be indicated.