Laphroaig Cairdeas 2017 Cask Strength Quarter Cask

Laphroaig Cairdeas 2017 Cask Strength Quarter Cask, 5 YO, 57.2 %

I have now tried the latest, annual Friends of Laphroaig (FoL) release, the Laphroaig Cairdeas 2017 Cask Strength Quarter Cask.

Here are the official details on the Laphroaig Cairdeas 2017 Cask Strength Quarter Cask:

First fill Makers Mark casks have been used for the first maturation of 5+ years in Warehouse 1 [..] before laying to rest for a second time in our smaller quarter casks (125 lt). After a further 6 month maturation, the liquid from 177 of these casks were put into the bottle at Cask Strength [..].

The Laphroaig Cairdeas 2017 Cask Strength Quarter Cask is a FoL exclusive, and sells at GBP 85.

Nose: Mild smoke and fresh bread crust greets me on first sniff. Then vanilla, and lots of it. A creamy nose! A pie in the face?! Sweet oak and hints of tar.

Taste: Full bodied and rich. Spices lead the way, with fiery chili at the forefront. Caramel, vanilla and sweet smoke follow up. Add to this a pinch of salt, and notes of fresh oak.

Finish: Medium long finish. Ginger, vanilla and sweet smoke. Salt, licorice and malt drops.

Comments: Solid with a touch of young-ish oakiness.

Score (86/100)

Image from Master of Malt.

Sláinte! - Thomas