Laphoaig Quarter Cask
A review by Tommy Byrne
Overall rating: 9/10 (Single Malt notation)
One thing we know for sure is that the people at Laproaig’s knows their market and continuously strives to please them with the elaboration of new products. Some distillers are experimenting with parallel lines of whiskies with sherry, port or wine casks finish in their “start of the line” product range. Likewise, Laproaig recently started to craft a new whisky with a second cask finish; however it did so respecting the core essence of the distillery. With no age statement, I asume that they take 8 years old normal casks and pass them in smaller casks (a quarter of the original casks size) for a 2 years nap. Laphroaig aimed at recreating the style of whisky produced 200 years ago, giving 30% more surface contact to the whisky. Back in the 19th century, many distillers were using those quarter casks to ease up the transportation process of the whisky on mules’ back, hence giving it another finish for logistical reason.
Laphroaig Quarter Cask shares all the basic elements of the original 10 years version, but it takes them up a notch. I believe the main improvement to be a hint of fruitiness in the nose and a more vivid impression of oak in the palate. With its 48% alcohol graduation, I won’t judge anyone who wishes to add a drop of water to it, just to trim off the rugged edges.
Laphroaig Quarter Cask shares all the basic elements of the original 10 years version, but it takes them up a notch. I believe the main improvement to be a hint of fruitiness in the nose and a more vivid impression of oak in the palate. With its 48% alcohol graduation, I won’t judge anyone who wishes to add a drop of water to it, just to trim off the rugged edges.
Even if Laphroaig is the only whisky to have a Royal Warrant from the Prince of Wales, making it the “official supplier” of single malt to the British monarchy, there’s no doubt that they care for their regular customers. Since 1994, they have extensively promoted their fan club called “Friends of Laphroaig (FOL)”. With over 450,000 FOL all over the world, the club does not only offer discounts on Laphroaig merchandizing goods, but also gives the possibility to buy exclusive whiskies not sold to the public. Being a proud FOL myself, I’m granted a lifetime lease of one square foot of Laphroaig land on the Island of Islay, as all other FOL. This may seem insignificant for many, but for a true fan, it really creates a sense of belonging to the great Laphroaig community.
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