Nose: Thick smoke. You can almost taste it without touching the glass to your lips. Orange peel, vanilla cream. Damp leaves. The pungency does not mask the delicacies in the background that recall damp wool and dried seashells.
Palate: Sweet, then as you swallow becomes pleasantly bitter. Smooth, but tantalizing. Charred and salty. Plenty of oak, bold like a bourbon, but more reserved and less tannic. Aggresive, but not loud. Molasses, pumpkin pie spices.
Finish: After the initial burst of flavor, more thoughtful notes of peat and iodine linger while citrus oils, pepper, salt and savory flavors fade. Finally, warm leather and pipe tobacco.
Additional Notes:
- When I first tasted this whisky I knew there was something distinguished and special about this dram. I have now tasted many different whiskies from different regions of Scotland and the world, but the impression Laphroaig has made on my palate is permanent. I had a glass of Quarter Cask in New York City. I was in a loud bar, and had no intention of taking notes. Nevertheless, Laphroaig QC held its own.
- The Laphroaig website hosts good discussions on its forum through the "Friends of Laphroaig" membership. I joined FOL, and I will reflect on a couple points people have made there as well as on other whisky forums - even youtube.
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The nose knows