Laphroaig 15 YO

Laphroaig 15 YO, 46 %

Last time I reviewed a Laphroaig 15 YO, was back in 2015, when I reviewed their 15 YO 200th Anniversary bottling at 43 % ABV (see review). This modern Laphroaig 15 YO has been matured in “ex-American oak casks”, which I take as “code” for refill ex-bourbon casks. On Whisky Base it says “1st and 2nd fill ex-bourbon barrels”. Check out the official product page, then try it yourself and make up your own mind.

The Laphroaig 15 YO will be available in Norway next week at NOK 1300 (20883701), and is available from the distillery at € 63.

Nose: Ooh, classic Laphroaig. Iodine, peaty smoke and fruitiness, with a rich and full nose that plays the whole register. With time, creamy vanilla and caramel emerge, alongside a hint of citrus.

Taste: Full bodied, creamy and quite peaty. Soot and ashes join the mix, along with "dirty sugar cubes" and a pinch of salt. Dryish in character, with iodine making its presence felt. Well hidden, but certainly not gone, are ripe orchard fruits underneath it all.

Finish: Medium to long. Smoky, medicinal and briny throughout. Rather straightforward and "simple", but in a beautiful way. Quite dry and slightly peppery towards the end, with a final twist of grapefruit.

Comment: Classic Laphroaig, beautifully uncomplicated. 

Score 87/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas