Whisky Review: Laphroaig Quarter Cask

• Category: Islay single malt scotch whisky
• Origin: Laphroaig Distillery
• Bottling: Beam/Suntory
• ABV: 48%
• Cost: £41.44

What they say

Laphroaig Quarter Cask offers an irresistible doubling of flavour, due to the double maturation in two barrels made of American oak. Still-maturing whisky from our standard ex-bourbon barrels is transferred to quarter casks and left to rest in our warehouse just a stone’s throw from the Atlantic shore.

This process represents Laphroaig breathing new life into a once-defunct tradition: the use of the smaller cask size, which ensures increased contact with the oak, creating a soft and velvety edge to complement Laphroaig’s distinctive peatiness.

On the nose the sensation is toffee and caramel, caused by the vanillas and tannins of the American oak, plus a dryness from the wood oil. The finish is long and alternates between this sweetness and smoke.

Official tasting notes:

• COLOUR: Full sparkling gold
• NOSE: Burning embers of peat in a crofters fireplace, hints of coconut and banana aromas
• BODY: Full bodied
• PALATE: Deep, complex and smoky yet offers and surprises the palate with a gentle sweetness
• FINISH: Really long, and dries appropriately with smoke and spice

What I say

Sampled during The Edinburgh Whisky Blog 5th Birthday Bash

Overall

Presenting that Laphroaig signature peaty peanut flavour, though a little less sweet and a lot less harsh than the 10 Year Old. This toning down in palate made it much more drinkable / easy drinking, but then I don’t drink Laphroaig to feel ‘safe’…

Score 82/100

Shop for Laphroaig Quarter Cask (opens Master of Malt)

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