Отзывы Whiskybase
учтено 160 заметок · текстовых 87 · полный lossless-снимок WB (полнота подтверждена)
Beautiful Laphroaig, certainly not as iodine-like as the classic 10y, but it says .. Volts help it a lot, but it's still a beautifully smooth drink.
For now, just my first assessment after trying it several times: A truly outstanding Laphi CS that combines the strong and familiar impressions of iodine, heavy medicinal smoke and ash that we love so much about the annual bottlings with newer sweet and vanilla notes. Wonderful.
exactly what is expected from cask strength Laphroaig - powerful peat and medicinal character. Fruity notes can be found in the nose, but unfortunately do not stay long in the taste. Not the best, but also not the worst out of all 17 released batches.
нос · вкус · финиш
| Нос |
88 |
medicinal notes, antiseptic, railroad, a bit ashy. Behind this wall of peat - sweet apples, banana, honeycomb. More sweet notes in the development, peat level remains high, but not so prominent as from the first nose. |
| Вкус |
86 |
a lot of sweetness (honey, melon, syrup), which stays for long, chili, ash, barbeque, sea food (oysters, shrimps), lemon juice. |
| Финиш |
86 |
very long, gets dryer. Mineralic, chalk, metallic notes, sea food, charred wood. Herbal and lemon acidity in the end. |
нос 88 · вкус 89 · финиш 88
Scent wonderful, lots of first Fell Bourbon Taste very complex and round I would like the finish to be longer. Really the best of the last batches
нос 90 · вкус 91 · финиш 87
As always, a bank. For me, this batch is more on the sweet side. Less fruity, but with lots of bourbon vanilla, creamy summer honey, fresh barley malt, only a subtle mineral note and rather dry charcoal smoke. The alcohol in this batch is clearly noticeable in the taste, especially when drunk neat. The otherwise typical Laphroaig hospital character of iodine and gauze is also not as pronounced. This time the bourbon barrels are in the foreground. I like the batches with the fruity, maritime character a little better.
нос 88 · вкус 87 · финиш 87
нос · вкус · финиш
| Нос |
88 |
Coconut Shell Iodine White Chocolate |
| Вкус |
90 |
The taste is very rich and sweet, with vanilla, sweet malt, and baked apples. Then the peat bursts in the mouth, and the phenolic substances explode, which is a very classic Laphroaig taste. |
| Финиш |
88 |
The aftertaste is bacon and caramel cream, followed by a long smoky aftertaste that drifts in the mouth. |
нос 87 · вкус 88 · финиш 88
Dark gold color. Slight oiliness.
нос · вкус · финиш
| Нос |
86 |
Peat. Sea salt. Seaweed. Seaweed salad. Salted peanuts. Toffee but in a salty version. Caramel. Salted caramel. A bit of milk chocolate with salt. Herbal notes. A bit of white pepper. |
| Вкус |
87 |
Peat. Medicinal. Iodine. Sea salt. Sea-like. Salty caramel. Salty toffee. Spices. White pepper. Varnishes, but combined with salt and sea-like. Black pepper. On the second sip, vanilla, a hint of citrus, and even a bit of salted, grilled tropical fruit arrive. |
| Финиш |
87 |
Sea. Seaweed. Sea salt. Toffee. Caramel. Salted caramel. Toffee, but salted. Herbal. Peat. Wet forest floor. Iodine. Medical. Hospital aromas. Dentist's office. A bit more spiciness after the second arc. Quite a long finish. |
58.3% 0.7l" Aroma: Phenolic, very intense, with iodine and seaweed. Also green apples, fresh rye bread and licorice. Taste: Complex and oily on the tongue. Smoky with Szechuan pepper and salted caramel. Also fresh lemon and a touch of menthol. Finish: Long-lasting and slightly dry. A salty, sweet impression lingers. ...an incredibly good malt! After the also perfect Batch #16 and the phenomenal Batch #13, this Batch #17 is finally a bit more phenolic again; the hospital is back! Top!!! The Laphroaig 10 CS series packs a punch, yet always delivers an incredible aroma. When it comes to intensity and smokiness, the Laphroaig CS series is hard to beat.
Color: Golden yellow; Nose-88; Taste-88; Finish-88.
нос 88 · вкус 89 · финиш 88
нос 87 · вкус 88 · финиш 87
Very mineral, medicinal, reminds me of the 12-year-old but with more power. Fresh green wood, with added fruitiness. Some light garden fruit and grapefruit, a touch of powdered sugar, the smoke is nicely restrained. Slightly creamy, alcohol quite well integrated, shoe polish, leather, mineral, with light fruits hidden in the background. Somewhat maritime and more smoky than on the nose. The finish is more smoky, but also has sweet and maritime notes, like seaweed; it's not very long. Nevertheless, a really good dram. The alcohol strength is very well integrated. 88-
Clean Laphi. Uamami, seaweed, no dirty cask notes. Btw, NOT couloured, b'cause here in Germany is must be stated on the bottle, if it contains E150 (on #14 there is a statement "mit Farbstoff"). So this batch 17 should be free of colouring. Alcohol is a bit aggressive. A spot of water does it well, still. A batch No.6 Feb 2014 is another stuff, a clear 90 thing: full throttle seaweed, mellow (!) mouth feel. In comparison to Batch 6 this 17 feels a bit thin.
This batch of the 10er Cask Strength has a completely different character to Batch 16. It is initially very reserved on the nose, has a distinctly more maritime note alongside the typical Laphi doctor's office and gauze bandages and appears slimmer. It lacks a little of the fruitiness that I really appreciate in the B16. It is rougher and dirtier and therefore reminds me more of Batch 12. The alcohol is very well integrated and I would never have guessed the almost 60% content blindfolded. You can save yourself the trouble of adding water. In my opinion, this doesn't add any value. The acceleration is decent and there is the typical Laphi punch in your face, which I miss a bit in the B16 and also the 2024 Cairdeas. In this respect, a CS that is closer to the original Laphroaig style, unlike batches 13 to 16, which in my opinion seem rounder and more pleasing. The only thing that bothers me about the B17 is the bitterness in the finish that cannot be ignored. It is quite penetrating at first, but after a short time it is replaced by a nice smokiness. I prefer the B12 and B16, where I cannot detect this bitterness that occurs in between. All in all, B17 is a great whisky, especially since Laphroaig has kept the price stable at €75 compared to its predecessors. Because of the different character to B16, you can have both open and, depending on your mood, sometimes choose the fruitier one or the rougher one. And the fact that it is colored, which is written on the back, does not spoil the fun.
нос 87 · вкус 88 · финиш 88
So, in my opinion, the 10erCS are becoming more and more grassy and fruity. The iodine or medicinal notes are becoming more and more in the background. In my opinion, that's a shame. Nevertheless, Batch 017 is still a Laphroag! But a "modern" one! Easy to drink and not boring!
нос 87 · вкус 88 · финиш 87
Small comparison tasting Laphroaig 10 CS 1. Batch 014 2. Batch 010 3. Batch 017
нос 88 · вкус 88 · финиш 89
Islay session, 24Nov2024: Ardbeg 14yo Anthology - The Unicorn's Tale https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/256740/ardbeg-14-year-old 86+ Bowmore Vault Edit1°n - First Release https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/88163/bowmore-vault-edit1n 87- Laphroaig QC https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/20113/laphroaig-quarter-cask 88- Laphroaig 10yo CS#17 https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/258022/laphroaig-cask-strength 88+ Laphroaig 10yo CS#15 https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/211936/laphroaig-cask-strength 88- Laphroaig 10yo CS#12 https://www.whiskybase.com/whiskies/whisky/159190/laphroaig-cask-strength 89+
нос · вкус · финиш
| Нос |
89 |
- |
| Вкус |
88 |
+ |
| Финиш |
88 |
+ |
A beautiful smoky and maritime nose. Campfire, salty sea air, iodine, medicinal notes, vanilla, caramel, honey and fine aromas of citrus, oak spices. This batch 17 combines the familiar impressions of iodine, heavy medicinal smoke and ash with sweet and vanilla notes. A very nice smoothness around a complex and tasty peat. A whisky that I love and that I would happily drink on a desert island. As it says on the bottle, a robust and spicy whisky, but with so much finesse and smoothness…
Big and bold, sweet vanilla and spicy cinnamon/pepper, oak
нос 88 · вкус 89 · финиш 89
нос 88 · вкус 89 · финиш 88
нос 85 · вкус 87 · финиш 87
Too much sweetness for my taste, especially when drinking, suffering from very heavy casks that cover the soul of the distillate with waves of cloying sweetness. Diabetics should stay away!
нос · вкус · финиш
| Нос |
84 |
Every vegan's nightmare, lots of meat sizzling on the grill on the nose, sprinkled with aromatic herbs (thyme, marjoram), spices (nutmeg, paprika, turmeric) and teriyaki sauce, accompanied by grilled peppers and a honey glaze. There is an underlying sweetness of caramel, liquorice and pineapple syrup, infused with medicinal and coastal notes, somewhere between a ship's keel and freshly caught mussels. A touch cloying, but definitely Laphroaig. |
| Вкус |
82 |
On the palate, it is pleasantly oily and spicy, with black pepper, paprika and ginger, emphasising the aromatic herbs that surround a sweet heart of caramel, baked apple, Haribo, marzipan, sugar paste and candied fruit (pineapple, orange, coconut). The meaty part is overshadowed by the iodine and medicinal spirit of the peat, which is not dominant but acts more as a backdrop to the sweet nature of the whisky, veering towards burnt tyre on the finish. Slight balsamic inflections in the length. |
| Финиш |
82 |
The finish is quite long and spicy with marzipan, toasted sugar, liquorice, iodine, burnt soy sauce and mentholated hints. |
A solid whisky of its kind. Nothing more, nothing less. I found the previous batches (I've had them all since batch 12) to be more or less better. However, I only paid €55 for this one on sale. I wouldn't necessarily buy it again, as I still have about 10 bottles of the CS (previous batches) in my cupboard. I bought this one to open and enjoy immediately. It serves that purpose perfectly. Still a fantastic value and a no-brainer if you like smoky whisky and the Laphroaig profile.
нос 89 · вкус 88 · финиш 87
It's surging and powerful, but lacks some detail. Strangely enough, I still describe it as easy to drink.
For me, it was even better in the mouth than in the nose. The advantages of Batch #16 were here in the nose, a full broadside of smoke, tar, soot, peat, salt and algae with the first sniff of the glass. The smoky, medicinal and maritime aromas in Batch #17, on the other hand, seem more subtle, reserved and overall friendlier, not so harsh. That changes with the first sip, and as usual the full broadside of Islay aromas comes through here too. You're always prepared for that with CS bottlings. The finish is averagely long and good compared to other batches. It no longer has the strong smokiness and tar note of some other batches. However, it seems more complex and settled, the tar and smoke do not overwhelm you but combine pleasantly with yellow, green (apple, pear, peach, citrus) and a few red fruits (red currants, blackberries). Seaweed and iodized salt are of course not missing either. I tend to see it as almost unique in the CS range in terms of taste and the way it combines aromas, at least so far. It's difficult to make comparisons if you don't have the different batches in your glass at the same time, as they are very similar. Nevertheless, I would say it is comparatively calmer and rounder compared to all the other batches that I know. In my opinion, it offers good fruity notes in the mouth, like Batch #15, including smoke, tar and campfire embers. Overall, not an absolutely outstanding cask strength bottling for me, but still at a very high level with a new direction for me. It may be that one or two of the old bottlings before Batch 11 also had a similar range of aromas, but I have not tested these yet. I am happy that wet sherry casks were left out here. Personally, I often have a small problem with Laphroaig and young sherry casks. Neither the PX Cask, nor the Laphroaig 10 Sherry Oak, the Triple Wood or the 2024 Cairdeas blow me away with their respective combinations of relatively short sherry cask storage and smoky, medicinal, maritime aromas. I don't really like the strong smoky, phenolic notes in combination with the biting, scratchy wood impressions of these bottlings. I always find a slight dilution advisable. Conclusion: Batch #17 is by no means a disappointment, quite the opposite, the typical Islay notes are beautifully interwoven with the fruit impressions, and it is not even cloyingly sweet - more on the dry side like Batch 12, for example. And the price is unbeatable for the quality. If Laphroaig would just leave out the awful caramel coloring, it would be perfect.
нос 88 · вкус 90 · финиш 89
Another nice batch. Could have had a bit more fruit, but the iodine and gauze bandages (especially on the palate) really come through, along with a good portion of caramel and black tea.
нос · вкус · финиш
| Нос |
87 |
A beautiful maritime-smoky nose. Distant campfire on the beach, salty sea air, iodine, medicinal notes, vanilla, caramel, honey and fine citrus aromas, shortbread, a hint of pineapple, oak spice. Compared to Batch #011, which I currently have in my glass, it is a bit tamer and more pleasant. |
| Вкус |
89 |
Very nice, powerful start. Nice and creamy in the mouth. Fortunately, the medicinal notes are much more evident here than in the nose. Iodine, gauze, maritime smoke, caramel, vanilla, dates, ash, rose hips, black tea, soot, oak spice. Batch #011, which is also a little lighter, has significantly more vanilla and is a little smoother on the palate. Batch #017 has significantly more caramel and also more ash. |
| Финиш |
87 |
Medium finish. Smoke, iodine, gauze, salt, seaweed, caramel, black tea, ash, oak spice. |
Not a bad Laphroaig, but a bit weaker than previous versions
нос 87 · вкус 87 · финиш 86
another opportunity, another bottle! The impressions are the same, sad, well you can drink it, but you can’t savor it, that’s it... disappointed again, such stability!
нос 87 · вкус 88 · финиш 88
The Laphroaig 10 Years Cask Strength Batch 17 delivers, but it sure isn't for everybody.
My first Laphroaig 10 CS.
... urgently needs water. Otherwise a solid Laphi 10
нос 87 · вкус 86 · финиш 86
Licorice, sweet vanilla, salty. Very well done whisky
Nose: Lots of medicine, iodine, smoke, a sooty oven, grilled steak in spices, coarse salt, leather elements, nuts, lemon zest Taste: Lots of ash, extinguished campfire, smoke, lots of salt, almost too salty, but I like it that way, lots of herbal spices, after a while fruit, caramel appear, and sweetness emerges. Finish: Long, warming, again lots of ash in the mouth, extinguished campfire, smoldering, lots of sweetness, very pleasant
нос 88 · вкус 89 · финиш 88
A solid Laphroaig. Typical in taste, pleasant peat and smooth on the palate!
нос 85 · вкус 85 · финиш 84
нос 88 · вкус 89 · финиш 88
нос · вкус · финиш
| Нос |
87 |
Organic kitchen scraps with orange and lemon peel on the top, and the oak coming through as clove spice. Cornbread muffins and salted pork fat with honey and rosemary get dirtied-up by tarry iodine and diesel fumes |
| Вкус |
86 |
Roasted root veg (parsnips, carrot, orange zest) cooked under demerara cumin and fennel seed-rubbed smoked pork belly. Malty licorice sticks and savoury nori sheets move the needle from pork to hot smoked salmon |
| Финиш |
87 |
Gently drying grey pepper with sweet mustard, chili flakes and white ash keep a smoky and warming hum going while everything fades to burnt sugar, dandelion and tarry molasses malt |
нос 88 · вкус 89 · финиш 89
нос 89 · вкус 89 · финиш 88
A very nice nose promised, but...but no... Unfortunately, the taste is dominated by burnt barrels, and this is not at all what I would like to feel in such a famous release, and then a simple dry aftertaste... hmm, a really passing drinking theme, maybe someone will like it, but I am sad, a disappointment of the evening. 22 20+ 20 20+ 83
нос 88 · вкус 86 · финиш 86
нос 90 · вкус 90 · финиш 89
Inferior to the previous ones. But overall quite drinkable at barrel strength. All at 21.5
нос 88 · вкус 89 · финиш 88
Is this the best Laphroaig 10 CS? I don't know, but it's definitely another very good one. The robust smokiness is very intense here. Everything is very well interwoven, and it would be drinkable neat. But it also tolerates a lot of water, and that's how I enjoy this whisky. It's still fairly priced this year, and the premium over the regular Laphroaig 10 is worth every cent.
нос · вкус · финиш
| Нос |
86 |
At first, I thought I'd barely notice the smoke. But that's a misconception; the familiar medicinal Laphroaig smoke is clearly present. But there's also a dirty aroma mixed in. I get some bitter herbs and a dark sweetness. Simply wonderful. |
| Вкус |
84 |
Strong sweetness of caramel fudge, herbs and spices mix in. |
| Финиш |
85 |
Very sweet, a light pepperiness coats the throat. A subtle influence of oak. It dries out the palate. A pleasant warmth that slowly fades away. Truly beautiful. |
Well round and balanced. smoky but not that peaty
нос 88 · вкус 89 · финиш 88
[88~91] complex, interesting, fun, I can spend more time with it, "I want to have it" :-D
нос · вкус · финиш
| Нос |
89 |
Warm fruitcake with vanilla, peach, and pineapple. Light caramel with a spice blend of cinnamon and allspice is supported by a slightly acidic wood tone. The peat smoke is restrained with warm asphalt, soot, and medicinal notes. The alcohol is only slightly noticeable. After the first sip, I notice a flowering elderberry bush in the distance. |
| Вкус |
88 |
The peat smoke quickly takes over at the first sip, leaving little room for anything else. Once the palate adjusts, the malt, along with the smoke, offers a caramelly sweetness and warm spice. The alcohol is also very well integrated. |
| Финиш |
89 |
Here, too, I'm initially enveloped by a truckload of smoke. I feel like a train driver slowly driving past a construction site where asphalt work is underway. At the same time, a doctor stands beside me, bandaging my head. Everything as I would expect from a Laphroaig! Of course, you get used to it after the second sip. Nevertheless, this is a very nice batch, with a bit more sweetness than batches 14 and 16. |
A wonderfully intense whisky. On the palate, you're greeted by bright fruit notes and a pronounced sweetness, followed by a full-on burst of smoke. Juicy red apple, pear peel, and hints of apricot. The distinct citrus notes lend the whisky a wonderful vibrancy. The consistently pronounced sweetness is accompanied by robust vanilla and intense smoke. The smoke is mineral, characterized by harsh charcoal and cold ash. Delving a little deeper, you'll discover earthy notes, leather, and hints of herbal tea and tobacco. At 58% ABV, this whisky packs a punch, but it also delivers a tremendous amount of flavor. In terms of intensity and smokiness, this Laphroaig is hard to beat. Accordingly, I thoroughly enjoyed it in the glass.
Aroma: dense, oily, sweet undertone, smoky bacon, not particularly complex, but substantial with very well-integrated alcohol and vanilla. Taste: densely structured, subtly woody and spicy, machine oil, nice balance, maritime and salty, sweet undertone, ginger, nutty, very well-integrated alcohol, medium to long finish with a slight bitter almond note. Color: Mustard-colored, medium waterline, clear Conclusion: Here's another smoother version of CS 10, with fewer rough edges, but still not mundane - overall more charming than "rebellious"...
A truly excellent 10-year-old Laphroaig at cask strength. The only drawback, as has been lamented elsewhere, with this and other Laphroaig 10 CS expressions is the addition of caramel coloring. Let's continue to protest against it! I recently opened my first bottle and find this bottling very tasty. Given the current price drop on the local market, I've ordered another: This Batch 17, which was bottled back in 2023, is currently available in Germany for under €50 – amazing! Sometimes you just have to wait and see – it's a shame you don't know these things beforehand...
нос 87 · вкус 88 · финиш 87
"THE NEW...Batch 17." Under this title, I, like many other Friends of Laphroaig, received the personalized newsletter from my favorite distillery on July 23. The first sentence ("We are delighted to announce the arrival of Laphroaig 10-Year-Old Cask Strength Batch 17 – our latest offering, bright golden and bottled from the cask with an uncompromising alcohol content of 58.3%.") aroused joyful anticipation in me, but immediately followed by doubts: "...bright golden and bottled from the cask..." – does that mean it also has natural color, with no added coloring? The tasting notes in the newsletter also whetted my appetite: "Aroma: Sweet, bold, and smoky. A spicy version with notes of candied apple slices, crème brûlée, and sugar pastries. Taste: At the beginning, sweet and fruity aromas such as apple compote, vanilla cream and pears in syrup dominate, followed by a wave of sea salt, herbal smoke, fresh seaweed and a hint of cooling menthol. Finish: Very long with black pepper and its tingling spiciness, old leather and sweet grassy smoke that fades into a tarry peat aroma. Barrier refiltration is explicitly advertised for Batch 17, but the company remains tight-lipped about the coloring. I also found no concrete information about caramel on the distillery's website. So I had to dig deeper... I made my small request via the contact form to info@laphroaig.com: "Dear consumer service team, your text advertising Laphroaig Cask Strength Batch 17 is: ..."what you pour is what we draw from the barrel." If this is right, it must be natural color - without any use of coloring /E150a. Can you state that your Laphroaig Cask Strength Batch 17 is free of coloring? With kind regards from North Rhine Westfalia, Germany Martin PS: As a real Friend of Laphroaig I would love to have at least Laphroaig Cask Strength and Càirdeas natural color! The following reply came immediately: "Dear Rudolf Martin, Thank you for your inquiry. As a matter of policy, we don't share specific information regarding our formulas or ingredients. .... Kind regards, Laphroaig Team" This standard answer to my somewhat complex question seemed unsatisfactory, to say the least. I had to clarify my request once again and made it clear that I wanted to enjoy at least Laphroaig Cask Strength and Càirdeas without coloring. And that I wanted to know before ordering whether coloring had been used—and not have to wait until I opened the package to read on the back of the box: "With coloring." In fact, I immediately received the final answer: "Hello Friend, Thanks for writing in. Our Batch 17 expression contains caramel coloring (E150a). The phrase 'what your pour is what we draw from the barrel' refers to the strength (ABV) of the whisky. Kind regards, Laphroaig Team" End of story, but not a happy ending for me. I'll probably order a bottle. And I'll keep digging, but it seems like there's a lot of fuss involved! Update 08.09.2024: I received my ordered bottle today. I found no indication of the use of colorant aka caramel aka E150a, not on the bottle labels, nor on the box! My conclusion: The issue of coloring seems to be quite sensitive for Laphroaig – similar to doping in sports? It's a shame. I hope for more openness and transparency in the future.
It has an oily viscosity and its bouquet is of high intensity. I have aromas of intense, maritime peat smoke, smoked bacon, honey sweetness, vanilla, pipe tobacco, spicy oak, herbs, ash, creme brulee and apple compote. Moderately complex. A good balance between sweetness and dryness in terms of taste. The alcohol is relatively well integrated and it has a heavy body.
In a direct comparison to Batch #016 (a second bottle is currently open), it loses the nose comparison quite clearly, but then catches up a little in terms of taste and makes up ground. The finish is then (finally) a peat party. As different as the 10 CS batches are, such a tamed nose is not necessarily necessary, one can and should still expect something different from a 10 CS.
нос · вкус · финиш
| Нос |
88 |
Unlike usual, it doesn't jump into your face like peat shortly after pouring, doesn't wave around strips of Hansaplast like a fool, and doesn't have the guys from K & B Construction in tow, who are just laying the last few meters of asphalt before it's time for a well-earned evening with 6-packs and a BBQ. A little patience, thank you. Yes, please, but it really hasn't taken that much patience to get to the point of "Ahh, Laphroaig" exclamation. Now seaweed and sweet peat smoke, which can barely cover the smoked apricot pieces. Canned pineapple, served with a little sea salt and black pepper - what a fruit. Even the first sip does not change the comparatively light and fruity nose. |
| Вкус |
89 |
Yes, that's right, there's a lot to catch up on. The creamy start is almost soft, but there's no shortage of peat smoke, nor of fresh asphalt, seaweed, salt and that feeling you'd probably get if you bit into used plasters and bandages. Still very fruity, though, with dried and smoked apricot pieces, peach slices, pineapple and lemon peel. Slightly ashy mouthfeel, nothing remains of the initial creaminess, it gets dry relatively quickly and then quite spicy. |
| Финиш |
90 |
Medium-long, dry, quite spicy and peaty - the bee stings from behind. What it lacks in the nose is delivered quite clearly in the finish. Here it shows what you would expect from a 10 CS. |
нос 88 · вкус 89 · финиш 88
нос 88 · вкус 90 · финиш 91
нос 88 · вкус 89 · финиш 88
Iodine, medicinal tones, industrial notes, burning peat bogs and damp swamps, and all this with yellow delicious fruits. Lovely!
нос 90 · вкус 89 · финиш 88
нос 88 · вкус 88 · финиш 87
нос 87 · вкус 87 · финиш 86
нос 86 · вкус 87 · финиш 87
нос 87 · вкус 88 · финиш 87
August 2026 Ara 209,000 S90
These cask strength Laphroaigs never disappoint. Super oily, hot cinnamon chewing gum and a great hefty delivery of the usual Laphroaig medicinal peat. A real cracker. This would be a permashelf bottle for me if I could still find it.
нос 88 · вкус 89 · финиш 88
нос 91 · вкус 89 · финиш 90
The 17th batch in the Original Cask Strength series was bottled in November 2023. So far, the Cask Strength Laphroaigs have always convinced me. What really bothers me is that this batch is also colored. Why do they do that? The cask strength whiskies in particular are bought by nerds who want a pure whisky. So the coloring is unnecessary and it really bothers me. glen-efze.de
Still a very good Laphroaig 10cs, the nose will become more fruity as time opens, and it tastes like Laphroaig with a little fruitiness. I am still willing to pay for it
нос · вкус · финиш
| Нос |
88 |
Smoke, medicine, rougher, almonds, iodine, salty. |
| Вкус |
89 |
Oily, peppery, ashy, smoky with a hint of fruity sweetness, malty sweetness, black tea, and salty flavors. |
| Финиш |
88 |
Medium-long smoke, ocean, ash, asphalt (or is it gauze?) bitterness accompanied by chocolate |
Always a pleasant dram, though I'd say batch 16 was slightly better and richer.
нос · вкус · финиш
| Нос |
88 |
Peat, apple juice, gingerbread and creamy vanilla pastry. |
| Вкус |
87 |
Peat, white pepper, vanilla and green apple. |
| Финиш |
87 |
Peat, vanilla, green apple and caramel. |
нос 85 · вкус 85 · финиш 84
again Laphy in cask strength bringing excellent bang for buck as almost any batch in the series
нос · вкус · финиш
| Нос |
89 |
Medicinal, peat, smoke, iodine, beacon |
| Вкус |
89 |
Strong medicinal, oily, fruity, caramel, herba |
| Финиш |
88 |
Long, sweet, peaty, ashes. |
A modern, but well-made Laphroaig. No frills.
нос · вкус · финиш
| Нос |
88 |
Sweet roofing felt, someone's been frying bacon with honey. And there's smoked pineapple on the toast too :) An extremely well-rounded affair; the alcohol is well integrated. With water: earthier and more lemony, but not better for me. |
| Вкус |
88 |
Peppery and densely oily, and alongside the roasted almonds there is also a medicinal, bitter note. But relatively civil, even tame, by Laphroaig standards. Adding water makes it more fruity, but it also becomes a bit more bitter. |
| Финиш |
87 |
Long and leaving an oily, peppery trail. H2O teases out further fruity sweetness. |
Simple but good. The moderate nose of this batch is almost curious; overall, it's not very complex but harmonious. The 10 CS remains a sure thing, let's see what the future holds, but this one will certainly join its predecessors in the cellar in due course.
Although it's a bourbon cask, its vanilla flavor is vastly different from that of a Balvenie 12 single-barrel bourbon cask. The price isn't actually expensive, but it's very unique. No wonder the ratings are consistently high. I have a point: if cows were protected animals, beef would undoubtedly be considered an unparalleled delicacy, and steak would be the grand finale of a royal banquet. It's just that beef is so readily available that people don't praise it as much. The same applies to some easily accessible yet high-quality wines. I quite like it. I can keep a bottle at home and enjoy it slowly. Considering its reasonable price, I would give it 1-2 points higher. This might be because it's my first Cask Strength product, so I have a soft spot for it.
нос · вкус · финиш
| Нос |
88 |
It has a rich, complex aroma, like roasted meat. I smelled it for quite a while. There's a hint of alcohol at the bottom. It's a bit pungent if you put your nose right up to the smelling glass. |
| Вкус |
89 |
Peat. Oily and smooth, it feels like it coats the entire tongue. Much richer and more mellow than a regular 10-year-old. |
| Финиш |
88 |
long. |
нос 87 · вкус 86 · финиш 87
нос 89 · вкус 88 · финиш 88
нос 89 · вкус 88 · финиш 88
нос 90 · вкус 89 · финиш 88
нос 87 · вкус 88 · финиш 88
Laphroaig's journey of the last ten years could actually end here: a return to the old style of the 80s/90s! The best CS in a very long time: mild yet powerful, vanilla, caramel and sweet phenolic smoke, salt and sea, nothing bites or hits you, the perfect moment; I am simply thrilled and very, very happy! Let us hope this is a statement and not a slip-up; if this is the path, I will follow it with confidence that Laphroaig has understood. Especially since the eternal talk of "everything was better in the past" finally ends: The past is now; thank you for that!!!
нос 88 · вкус 88 · финиш 87
The nose is a bit reserved. It only picks up speed on the palate and in the finish and you get the longed-for Laphroaig CS moment - 18.10.2024
нос · вкус · финиш
| Нос |
87 |
It really needs a lot of time in the glass, the whisky and the smoke are very closed, hot bitumen, light fruits, maritime, grease, machine oil, woody |
| Вкус |
89 |
Smoky sweet, now the Laphroaig CS shows itself with strong pepper and smoky-bacony sweetness, still powerful, cozy fireplace fire, malt sweetness, roasted aromas, coffee, high-percentage dark chocolate |
| Финиш |
88 |
Long, delicately melting dark chocolate, mineral, earthy, slightly smoked, dry beech wood |
Intense but quite sweet smoke, the nose in the ashtray, earthy and herbal notes, light medicinal touch, almonds and green apples, biscuits soaked in milk, the iodine is very discreet. Banana and semi-salted butter. On the palate, it is creamy, on a thick layer of smoky peat, with white fruits and vanilla, menthol and woody notes, rather controlled spices, ginger and pepper. Long and deep finish, coal, tar, black and damp earth, concentrated peat, licorice and coffee, roots just out of the ground, angelica, chestnuts, acorns, bark. I was a little disappointed by the nose, very smoky, sweet, not very iodized and medicinal, which is what I like about Laphroaig. On the other hand, on the palate it is excellent, very creamy and fruity, and the finish corresponds to what you would expect, very Laphroaigish, peaty and herbaceous, with coffee and earthy notes. https://ilikesky2020.blogspot.com/2024/10/laphroaig-10-yo-cask-strength-batch-017.html
нос 88 · вкус 89 · финиш 90
In 1 test session Batch 3, Batch 14 and Batch 17. All three whiskies have the same bright yellow/gold color. All three whiskies leave a considerable amount of whisky on the glass. Thick waves, but also thick, slowly dripping tears. Do you like smoky whiskies and have never tried the 10 cs? DO IT! If it's too strong, you can always reduce the ABV to your desired strength. They are three completely different whiskies. I've seen several reports that batch 17 has an old-school profile, and I certainly can't confirm this compared to batch 3.
Finally, it’s time to put down some notes on this cask strength, Laphroaig (quite beautiful batch, indeed). I really hope that the distillery management will not ruin its future releases… at least cask strength bottling… is it aloud to hope?
нос · вкус · финиш
| Нос |
91 |
Bold and creamy. Burning campfire. Charcoal and earthy sweetness. Ripe peaches and pears. Malty, thick vanilla notes. Fades of seaweed and iodine, sea salt and sandy beach shoreline. Amazingly complex for short 10 years. |
| Вкус |
88 |
Malty, earthy and ashy. Sweet and somewhat dry, powerful. Tropical fruit jelly and gingerbread. Peat smoke and pine kernels balancing with Christmas cake spices. |
| Финиш |
89 |
Long and memorable with seafood touches and cigar smoke… iodine and seaweed, smoked ham aftertaste coming through and through. Lovely stuff. |
I will quote the very one thing that perfectly suits this whisky. There is not much to be added... ‘AN ODE TAE LAPHROAIG’ by Elvis McGonagall: "The “How-Do-You-Pronounce-It?” malt Wi’ which some Sassenachs find fault Aw’ storm-lashed-sea-spray-smoky-salt Let’s exalt Laphroaig Islay rain on heather, moss and grass Through kiln ‘n cask, frae grain tae glass A snort, a drop, a dram o’ class Crack open the Laphroaig A richt rambusteous “amber bead” No yin fur faintheart or weak-kneed A muckle skelp aboot the heid Pure radge that Laphroaig Uisge beathe – nae moonshine booze The nectar that the angels choose Ambrosia, immortal muse Bottled poetry Laphroaig In seven pot stills by the ocean Liquid joy, sweet peaty potion A burning kiss of deep devotion Ooh la la Laphroaig Tastebuds flyin’ as high as a kite Brain burstin’ oot in fairy lights A deoch-an-doris tae cap the night Just wan more Laphroaig Queen o’ the Hebrides’ golden tears Distillation o’ two hundred years Skal, Prost, Salud, Kampei, Cheers Slainte-mhath! Laphroaig!"
нос 89 · вкус 87 · финиш 87
нос 88 · вкус 88 · финиш 87
The Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength is the "grown-up" version of the Laphroaig 10. While the smoke is less dominant than in the standard bottling, it is much fuller-bodied, more robust, deeper, and more complex. The higher alcohol content brings out the individual aromas significantly. It's a superbly crafted whisky that beautifully blends fruit, smoke, and herbal notes. For lovers of smoky whiskies, the Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength is definitely a must-try.
нос · вкус · финиш
| Нос |
89 |
Beautifully integrated, typical Laphroaig smoke. However, in my opinion, it's less intense than the standard No. 10. Instead, fruit and herbal notes are prominent: vanilla, apple, pear, grilled pineapple, lemon, thyme, cloves, and seaweed. The nose is very well-rounded and harmonious. The individual notes blend beautifully: smoky, fruity, earthy, and herbal. |
| Вкус |
89 |
A powerful start; the 58.3% ABV is noticeable without being overpowering or alcoholic. Sweetness from vanilla, pineapple, apricots, pears, and apples. Then lovely herbal notes unfold: heather, clove, nutmeg, seaweed, and licorice. A touch of wood spice. A pleasant peppery note emerges. The smoke isn't dominant but blends beautifully with the other aromas. Sweetness and herbs predominate. |
| Финиш |
88 |
The finish is medium-long. The sweetness transitions into a lovely herbal note, which remains dominant until the end. A hint of wood spice leaves a subtle bitterness. Finally, herbal and maritime notes linger with a pleasant salty touch. |
нос 88 · вкус 90 · финиш 89
Whisky tasting on 2026 03 24 84+
нос · вкус · финиш
| Нос |
85 |
Dusty cellar, rough peat smoke, grassy, some green fruits in the background. After 10 minutes, the dram shows both its sweet and medicinal side, maybe a hint of yeast in the background. |
| Вкус |
84 |
Big peat smoke, vanilla note, bit of a sweeter palate. |
| Финиш |
84 |
Medium finish, oily, sweetness with peat smokiness, there is no medicinal note. |
нос · вкус · финиш
| Нос |
87 |
Medicinal and salty peat smoke Behind them, green, tangy apples Grassy and algae Slightly dry leather Sweet vanilla A hint of salty peanuts A little freshness from the alcohol |
| Вкус |
86 |
The classic Laphroaig peat smoke is clearly present. Very mineral Behind that, citrus fruits and a hint of green apple on the nose, but not much fruit. Salty peanuts and pleasant oak The alcohol gives him a good amount of strength. Unspectacular but extremely delicious, as the aromas it has work perfectly on the palate. |
| Финиш |
86 |
Long and very pleasant The alcohol makes the finish linger and quite strong. Citrus fruits / Salty and mineral aromas dominate the finish. The pleasant oak makes the finish wonderfully smooth. But again, unspectacular but delicious. |
Tasted at WTF 2026, in Utrecht, 5th of September 2026 peat, smoke, iodine, honey and succulent plants.
нос 86 · вкус 87 · финиш 86
нос 87 · вкус 88 · финиш 88
In my whisky adventure I managed to try, describe and evaluate Laphroaigi 10 cs from B.10 to 17. What I can notice is that the even ones are much better than the odd ones :D Coincidence? I don't know, I reckon b.18 will be as good as b.14/b16 or the oh-so-delicious b.12/b.10.
нос · вкус · финиш
| Нос |
89 |
Nose: Sweet, very smoky, campfire, iodine, linoleum, smoked meat, caramel, yeast dough, honey, smoked ham and bacon, sea salt, refreshing salty breeze, canned pineapple, raisins, dark fruit jam, mixed dried fruit. 89.00 |
| Вкус |
88 |
Taste: Very heavy, iodine, burnt campfire, ash, asphalt, a bit mineral, salty sea, vanilla, burnt toast, bitter caramel, buckwheat honey, dried dark fruits, bitter citrus, wood. 88.00 |
| Финиш |
88 |
Finish: Smoked meat, meat spice, sweet medical smoke, a bit of ash, dying fire, burnt caramel, creamy, slightly dry and tart, bitter citrus, pleasantly warming. 88.00 |
What a lovely batch! Finally another one that will amaze you. Compared to the Ledaig triple wood this is a real treat!
нос 89 · вкус 89 · финиш 88
нос 89 · вкус 88 · финиш 88
нос 88 · вкус 89 · финиш 89
On the nose an intense vanilla scent envelops the nostrils, despite the alcohol content not affecting the vanilla essence. In Gusto, licorice reigns supreme, warm and creamy. The finish is delicate and creamy, just the right amount of long.
needs some time to open up, sweet and dense texture with heavy cream toffee, cinnamon, "big red" chewing gum, black pepper, fresh american oak, freeze-dried banana, terpentine based shoe polish, resin/pine sap, medicinal whiffs of smoke intensify, iodine tincture appears older than 10 years, heavy cask influence, could even be a good amount of virgin oak or quarter cask in there, but not overwhelming. Unfortunately coloured with a slight orange hue.
Nose: Sweet tar, hints of licorice, coastal notes - seaweed, salty air, medicinal peat, black pepper, and that lovely green herbal/woody/fruity note I often get with Laphroaig, it is prominent in the 18 year old, here it hides behind the peat, smoke and tar. Palate: (Neat) Lovely oak and cask spice, sweet peat, pleasant smoke. Even if it is drinkable neat, despite the high abv, I believe water is a necessity here. (Watered down) I’m getting sweet charred notes, not so much charred oak but rather the classic bourbon oak notes with a charred twist. Maybe grilled is a better word, so grilled orchard fruits, grilled vanilla toffee. Perhaps a green or yellow tropical note in there as well, grilled of course. Also some salt and pepper. Long warming finish with lingering medicinal peat, sweet tar, salty smoke and peppery oak spice.
Hope this tradition continues with future batches.
I still can't quite get used to modern laph. The peat is too direct, overwhelming... and lacks other flavors. The flavor is too flat, one-dimensional, and unbalanced. I feel like I'm drinking peat and dust. It's not ashy, like ash, but dust. Rub the wine between my hands, and it smells like old stockings that have been gathering dust in the closet.
нос 88 · вкус 86 · финиш 86
нос 90 · вкус 88 · финиш 88
нос 87 · вкус 88 · финиш 87
Nose: Campfire, lemon zest, medicinal, salty. 88p Mouth: Maritime, peat, salty, fruity, vanilla, cinnamon. 88p Finish: Peat, cinnamon. 87p Overall: 88p
These 10CS batches tend to be really great, especially at under €70.
нос · вкус · финиш
| Нос |
89 |
Medicinal Laphroaig smoke immediately enters my nostrils, followed by a gentle sweetness of tropical fruits, limes and oranges. Salt/Seaweed |
| Вкус |
89 |
Wonderfully complex, again immediately smoky and medicinal, followed by oranges and limes and seaweed. |
| Финиш |
88 |
Quite oily and more coastal, seaweed first, then medicinal smoke, a gentle sweetness and a tiny bit of oak bitterness. |
Coloured again and no "natural" cask strength anymore. Just the promise that the strength is not further diluted after drawn from the cask. Hm.
Short notes… A really great, honest Laphroaig. No frills.
нос 89 · вкус 90 · финиш 89
The Laphroaig 10 CS is one of the most fascinating whiskies out there because it shows the changes in the whisky industry better than probably any other bottling. This batch is still at least an 87, more likely an 88 point whisky, but it is so random, monotonous and flat that you can't hope for a freaky surprise with any new batch. The first bottlings without a batch number or age statement, but with a few real sherry casks in the batch, compared to the gradual change to coloring and then more and more of it. You can see that here. The Laphroaig 10 CS used to be dark because Laphroaig had to pour in a few sherry casks. There were lots of salty and medicinal peat smoke aromas and a little sweetness from the sherry in the dram. Fantastic and authentic. Today you get a lot of wood, a lot of caramel notes with a mash of peat smoke. The problem is that it is still exciting and very well balanced. Unfortunately, it is flat, monotonous and boring. For 90 euros it is still the best Islay cask strength with an age statement alongside the Lagavulin 8.
нос · вкус · финиш
| Нос |
88 |
Lots of wood |
| Вкус |
89 |
88,5 |
| Финиш |
88 |
Again a lot of wood in the finish and a flat caramel note behind the strong peat smoke |
A great balance between bright peaty, medicinal and sweet notes with baked goods. No soles, sleepers or burnt rubber.
Tasted at distillery. Sea salt, TCP medicinal Slight peat , sweet caramel, oily texture with grassy note, lovely long finish. Well worth a visit to the distillery. You feel the pride in a job well done.
нос 90 · вкус 89 · финиш 89
нос 91 · вкус 91 · финиш 90
A return to basics: raw, vibrant, sincere. Laphroaig proves it needs no gimmicks to shine, just a good cask, time, and a heart full of peat. This is the most honest version of whisky: rough, straightforward, and damn alive.
нос · вкус · финиш
| Нос |
86 |
Medicinal peat and cold soot fill the lungs. Iodine, ash, salt, a bit of bacon and dark chocolate: the maritime hospital has caught fire, and someone's been grilling fruit on top of it. Behind this din, a creamy base of vanilla and ripe pear brings light. You think the monster has put on a clean shirt, but he's keeping his knife in his pocket. |
| Вкус |
88 |
It's a boxer's attack, direct, frank, but full of heart. The peat explodes, burns, cleanses everything in its path before giving way to an unexpected sweetness: red apple, orange zest, burnt honey. The 58% ABV doesn't aim to hit hard, but to sing loudly. The balance between the intensity of the fire and the tenderness of the fruit is exceptionally precise. |
| Финиш |
87 |
Long, salty, peppery, almost tactile. Embers linger, leather, a hint of blond tobacco. The salt returns in waves, carrying with it a trace of vanilla and an impression of damp earth. The pleasure lingers, without unnecessary chatter. |
нос 88 · вкус 87 · финиш 86
нос · вкус · финиш
| Нос |
88 |
Medical bandages, iodine, raw peat, leather, seaweed, nuts, motor oil, tropical fruits, freshly cut oak, honey, green apple |
| Вкус |
88 |
Dense, sweet, slightly dry, honey, fruit, smoked, motor oil, oak |
| Финиш |
87 |
long, fruits, honey, peat, oak |
нос 89 · вкус 89 · финиш 88
нос 88 · вкус 89 · финиш 88
Ardbeg, Laphroaig, and Lagavulin are often named as the big three of Islay whiskies. I tried the Ardbeg 10 CS relatively recently (a few months ago), and my impression was so overwhelming that I thought, "I would unconditionally choose the CS over drinking the entry-level Ardbeg." Comparing from this perspective, Laphroaig 10 CS is definitely delicious, but it didn't give me the same overwhelming impact I felt with Ardbeg. If Ardbeg 10 CS and Laphroaig 10 CS were side by side, I would choose the former without hesitation. Looking at Whiskybase while writing this review, it seems the majority favors Laphroaig 10 CS over Ardbeg, but this clearly comes down to personal preference. The defining characteristic of this bottle is that the nose is absolutely overwhelming compared to the palate and finish. Considering it's a 10-year maturation, it deserves high praise for radiating such a delicious and complex aroma. Because the nose is so outstanding, the palate simply feels "tasty" in comparison, and the finish falls quite short compared to both. It's a bit of a shame that it leaves an anti-climactic impression overall. In conclusion, considering its 10-year age statement, it is a whisky with an excellent taste. I wouldn't go out of my way to buy and own a full bottle (I'd seek out the Ardbeg 10 CS again, but not necessarily this one), but if someone offered me a dram, I would drink it with great pleasure.
нос · вкус · финиш
| Нос |
88 |
Nose Notes: Strong peat, Laphroaig's signature medicinal peat, vanilla, honey, citrus, bright floral, salty aged cheese, banana puff snack, pleasant funkiness (slight urine nuance akin to Auchentoshan), intense lemon, leather. Tasting Notes: The pale color suggests a full bourbon cask maturation, which was confirmed when I checked the specs later. As soon as I brought the glass to my nose, I felt Laphroaig's strong peat, which some might describe as medicinal. I don't mind this aroma at all, so I didn't find it unpleasant. Despite the intense peat, a wafting vanilla scent follows. There is a citrus note typical of standard bourbon cask whiskies, but the dominant peat and ABV quickly mask it, leaving the citrus to play only a subtle supporting role. My first impression reminds me of the 3-year-old Ohtani Whisky by Kameda Distillery (Niigata, Japan) from a Whisky Navi Owner's Cask I had before, which was also a peated bourbon profile. However, this Laphroaig has a more pronounced sweetness and the peat isn't as overpowering—it feels "less intense" and more balanced than the Japanese whisky. There is a bright, floral nuance, but it’s not dominant. The other scents are too assertive to isolate exactly what kind of flower it is. Afterwards, a salty sea breeze wraps around the nose. Combined with the other aromas, it reminds me of a funky cheese. Behind this, there's a slight banana puff snack scent. It could border on Auchentoshan's infamous urine-like note, but it remains at a perfectly pleasant level. I couldn't quite find the right word for it. After adding 5 drops of water: The peatiness noticeably diminished right away. The citrus became more assertive, and the salty cheese and slight funky/urine-like scents reappeared at a lower intensity. After letting it rest for about 20 minutes, the funky aroma became more dominant than the citrus. The various scents blended intricately, bringing out a bit of a leathery nuance. Additional notes agreed upon after reading other reviews: I was struggling to describe this subtle mix of salty cheese and sweetness, but I saw someone on Whiskybase describe it as "grilled pineapple." It’s the perfect expression. I definitely need to use this in the future! |
| Вкус |
86 |
Notes: Peat, high ABV heat, sugar water-like sweetness, salty smoked salt, lemon acidity, vanilla, medicinal peat. Tasting Notes: Upon sipping, the peat and the high alcohol heat are the first two things to strike the tongue. It's easy to tell there's a bourbon cask sweetness acting as the base, but the peat and alcohol are so strong that it takes a while to fully catch the true nature of that sweetness. Focusing hard, the sweetness I found wasn't thick honey, but rather a thinner sweetness closer to diluted sugar water. This is followed by a salty, smoked flavor—like something cured in salt—and finally, a lemony acidity pierces through the peat. After adding 5 drops of water: The peat subsided surprisingly well. Thanks to this, the hidden vanilla sweetness surged forward, finally allowing me to dig into it in more detail. There is an attempt for the sweetness to shift from sugar to honey, but it still feels closer to sugar water. Afterwards, Laphroaig's signature medicinal peat reasserts its presence. The acidity essentially vanished. You can't feel it unless you try very hard to find it. It feels like the nose and palate completely flipped before and after adding water. Tasting it again after 20 minutes, I could feel the acidity reviving in the wake of the sweetness. Additional notes agreed upon after reading other reviews: I somewhat agree with the fleeting hint of cinnamon on the palate. Considering I mentioned grilled pineapple in the nosing section, and sprinkled cinnamon sugar on grilled pineapple is a very common pairing, it makes me somewhat marvel at how meticulously this whisky's flavor profile was designed. |
| Финиш |
85 |
Notes: Smokiness, sugar, vanilla, slight bitterness, nuts, zesty citrus, corn scone. Tasting Notes: After swallowing, a smoky finish derived from the peat follows. The sugary taste felt on the palate is further accentuated upon swallowing, leaving a faint vanilla note trailing behind. Honestly, compared to the complex nose or the intense, mouth-filling palate, the finish is a bit disappointing, offering no grand lingering effects other than a slight bitterness. However, considering the relatively young 10-year maturation, it is entirely acceptable. I burped slightly while drinking, and a waft of nutty aroma came up, prompting me to add nuts to the notes. After adding 5 drops of water: A nutty aroma is accompanied by a touch of vanilla. The intense smokiness is almost entirely gone. Trying it again 20 minutes later, a zesty citrus aroma seems to hover partially in the mouth, and the final lingering sensation reminds me of a savory corn scone. |
нос 89 · вкус 88 · финиш 87
Delicious, sweet, fruity whisky, with smoke, pharmacy notes, asphalt and perfectly hidden alcohol. Laphroaig maintains the standard as always and that is commendable. Excellent price-quality ratio.
нос · вкус · финиш
| Нос |
89 |
intense, resinous, spruce needles, sweet, vanilla, birch sap, potatoes from the steamer, peat, a lot of smoke, medical notes, later come honeydew apples, young walnuts, melon, canned peach |
| Вкус |
90 |
sweet, smoky, notes straight from the smokehouse chimney, Christmas Eve compote, smoked plums, dried pears, sultana raisins, dark chocolate, a bit of young oak |
| Финиш |
89 |
long, very pleasant with lots of smoke sweetness, fruit and charcoal, hot asphalt poured in the summer, almost tarry, delicate bitterness with a hint of dark chocolate |
Quick tasting at InterWhisky in Wiesbaden. Dry, empty and uninteresting.
нос 89 · вкус 90 · финиш 89
нос 88 · вкус 89 · финиш 88
нос 89 · вкус 90 · финиш 89
нос · вкус · финиш
| Нос |
87 |
Strong peat smoke, phenolic-medicinal, compote of light fruits, some citrus fruit, bacon, spicy |
| Вкус |
87 |
The alcohol develops with a certain delay in the mouth, but then becomes powerful and well-balanced. Creamy-oily texture, honey sweetness, fruity, subtle peat smoke, spicy |
| Финиш |
86 |
Medium-long finish, peaty, smoky, maritime, creamy-oily |
нос 87 · вкус 88 · финиш 87
нос 87 · вкус 88 · финиш 88
нос 88 · вкус 89 · финиш 88
нос 89 · вкус 89 · финиш 88
84- After enjoying batches 15 and 16 quite a bit, I feel this one could be the start of a downhill journey. Very muted, simplistic, lacking oomph. I have given this multiple chances, and I am confident this will not get better after more than half the bottle has been consumed over 6 months. Still, +1 for the price, the specs and the delivery, 50 euros is indeed a great price if you enjoy this profile.
нос · вкус · финиш
| Нос |
83 |
Very Laphroaig-y, but also quite hollow and uneventful. Everything is toned down and muddled, from the medicinal nature of the whisky, to the bright maltiness and the dark earthiness. It is still well-balanced, sweet and smoky, fresh yet mature, without any off-notes and quite pleasant, but one needs to chase the aromas: iodine and cough syrup, caramel algae, salted toasted nuts and lime juice are the ones that appear clearer to my nose, but they still need to be chased around quite a bit. Way more ehtanol-y and superficially woody than previous batches, I would say the casks used were average at best, and also that the juice itself is of subpar quality in comparison to older batches. Gets better with water in regards to fresher herbs and livelier notes in general, but worse in regards to tired oak elements and even airier/hollower artifical medicinal aromas. |
| Вкус |
85 |
Considerably better here since there are things actually happening without chasing needed, however other problems arise. Great texture, warm and coating, sweet and mossy upfront, but then there are too many wood tannins and prickly spices for my liking. It is, without a doubt, way more muscular here, and the medicinal DNA is more prevalent and engaging. Gets more articulate and less prickly with water, so I recommend adding water here until the high to mid-40s. Honey, some tropical fruit hints, quite nice as a daily smoky dram. |
| Финиш |
83 |
Medium length, again a bit hollow and cardboardy, while some medicinal malt moments are indeed enjoyable. Damp earth, a bit spicier with water with chilli cocoa, nice enough but once again pretty uneventful and forgettable. |
нос 89 · вкус 89 · финиш 88