Laphroaig 18
A review by Tommy Byrne
Overall rating: 9,2/10 (Single Malt notation)
I was looking at the extensive whisky list
at this pub called Whiski on the
Royal Mile in Edinburgh on a cold and dark November evening and I said to
myself: “Tommy, you deserve a treat!” Laphroaig
Quarter Cask being my favorite almost affordable dram, I always wanted to try
the 18 years old expression of this Islay peaty nectar, so I decided
that while in Scotland the timing couldn’t be better.
Laphroaig 18 is quite pale for a whisky
arriving to adulthood, but we know that unlike neighbour Lagavulin, no caramel
is used to disguise its aging process. The first thing that came to mind after
a few seconds of flirting with my nose was: Laphroaig with sherry and Posh
Laphroaig! The aromas are not hitting the nostrils with a big punch like its
younger expressions, wood being especially less dominant. After a sip, we rapidly understand that we’re
drinking a great Laphroaig with an extra touch. It’s rich and has a good
texture. It has a bond fire smoke very similar to Caol Ila and Lagavulin. Toffee is also present in the palate. The
finish is long and pleasant, the bond fire stays for a while in the mouth.
Generally speaking, I would say that
Laproaig 18 is definitely more smoky than phenolic. It brings something else to
the usual Laphroaig experience with the 10 years old, Select and Quarter Cask
expressions, while being absolutely honest to its origins. I highly recommend this whisky to anyone who
can double its dram budget once in a while.
People who swears on Lagavulin 16 will find in this bottle a friendier
Laphroaig than the one they are used to.
