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What is it about 2017? I feel the 2017 12 year Lagavulin was the best year. This is BY FAR the best Laphroaig 25 I have ever tasted. Just a fantastic dram in every way.

amazing, smooth, smoky goodness

The original Lahproaig style from the end of the last century (i.e. before the takeover of the Fortune Brands/Beam Suntory distillery, renamed Suntory Global Spirits from 2024). Balanced, non-aggressive, with depth and yet clearly identifiable. "Salty" not "sweet" peat, which distinguishes this Laph from Bowmore. In addition, the typical pharmacy iodine feeling, which is of course significantly domesticated against the rough 10yo. But it is present. A delicious combination of fruit and cereal notes with a non-dominant peat. In that order, because this whisky is multi-layered and yet so easy to drink. If we take our time - both in the glass and in the mouth, we can discover more and more sensations, for example, lots of herbs, tobacco, more and more ripe fruit peeking out from under the smoky lid. The discovery ends with the final swallow. The aftertaste is infinitely long, naturally ending with light smoke and oak, which does not disturb anything or anyone. I want to take another sip right now!

Very much to my li(c)king. One extra point because I was looking forward to a new Laphroaig bottling of this quality, having been a little (...) disappointed by most of the recent ones. Considering the price explosion, this one stays just about affordable. At least when comparing to the 27y limited edition. Ooops, forgot to add water. You know what ? Forget it too, it simply doesn't need any.

Stunning nose, very delicate, delicate sea notes, ripe oranges, meadow herbs, a bit of medicine and iodine, when more peat notes appear, the nose is constantly changing, amazing first whisky spice, then butter and light peat notes The finish is long, quite delicate, spices, ripe peach, orange peel, pineapple Very interesting molt, although the nose promised more than gave the taste. It is a pity that so expensive ...

Sweet peat, full-bodied, spicy, lingering honeyed smokiness.

Dark and fruity, heather, more medicinal notes, salty and also very astringent. That is not really my case. Spicier and stronger in the finish.

Quite balanced, less medicinal than typical for Laphroaig - actually very good

N- Trademark brine, sun baked oyster shell, seaweed biscuit, vegetal, soft coal smokes with mellow antiseptic, some buttermilk. But appeared tired, mild and soft on nose with just the raw spirit heat. P- Cream, milky, charred grilled ripe strawberry, brine and mineral, toasted mixed spices with modern sugary sweet herbs. F- Medium, remarkably spotless. Nutty, remains briny and vegetal. But dominant with the cheap syrupy hollow sweetness. Scattered with some quality here and there, but considering this is a 25YO at handsome price, a big let down. — at The Whisky Bar, Kuala Lumpur.

http://kaypingers-whiskyblog.de/frontend/fullarticle.php?id=303 Color: straw yellow Nose: lime, mango, papaya, lychee .... yeah, we have a Laphroaig in the glass. Tropical fruits, leather, smoke, vanilla and only a mild, almost peat-free spice. Here is missing entirely the typical Islay character! A mild-fruity brew lined with dull aromas. Taste : Spicy, peppery and now with the right ingredients. Salt, peaty phenols and the smoke are present here. Lime and apple with a little lemon oil and seaweed. Tending to become slightly woody. Finish: Medium-long - still slightly spicy and delicately shaped by oak. Getting fresher with mint and eucalyptus. The fruit content is now completely gone and a smoky freshness remains on the palate. 89 points N: 89P / G: 90P / F: 89P

Medicinal, smoke, oak, baked apples, little turfo, nuts, lemon, raisins and chocolate.

I am thoroughly impressed. I expected to be disappointed, as if something I regard as highly as Laphroaig with such an age statement could never disappoint, and at such a price it’s bound to. But boy was I wrong. The peat I expected muted from age? There. The flavors I never expected to find with Laphroaig’s generally strong and intense profile? There. A feeling of letdown? Nowhere to be found. Is it worth the market price for this? Probably not, that’s a really hard price point to find any kind of value at all. But if you buy a bottle, you likely won’t be disappointed.

Delicate Laphroaig, the profile I tends to enjoy recently. Still if only the flavors are more profound and complex.

I compared this one with a Cairdeas (2021) because I found the contrast very exciting. The difference between these filigree and the brute aromas of the Cairdeas is impressive and sad at the same time. That nose on this Laphroaig 25 is just awesome and for me the best part of the whisky. This clean nose would be worth almost 400 euros to me.

Very elegant

Very friendly Laphroaig, soft, elegant, rich in smell, beautiful, relatively simple, but very comfortable. As a 25-year-old whisky, it is actually a bit disappointing.

A side by side with Laphroaig 25 (2016) which I rate two points less. Similar to the 2016, but a little deeper and more complex. A more prominent honey note, which suits me. I really love this 25, but I’m not sure I’d buy another, simply because for the price you’re in premium territory and there are many options that offer better value for money. Price aside, it’s still a beautiful dram.

very tasty, much better than expected (old Islays are mostly too exhausted), no comment on the price, because out of range

A really great malt that is second to none. Alternating, never boring and simply delicious. Big piece of Islay and Laphroaig! A big movie theater.

sweet.. fruits in abundace.. the grind powder sitting on the bottom of a turkish coffee cup.. everything enveloped in soft-whispering peat.. so powerful, yet complex and delicate at the same time.. a dram to be enjoyed in silence and solitude..

This has been my one and only since I bought my first bottle back in 2018. However, at that time I had completely different experience with scotch, I couldn’t pickup any peaty notes nor smokiness whatsoever. Almost as it was not Laph at all… Green apples and sugar powder was the only thing in my blenders glass from 1920’s. Was it Laphroaig at all? Now, as my memories are covered with dust and my knowledge is spoiled with different vintages of Laph 25, I can assume that this is how it supposed be presented… Old school malt from Islay, multi layered, deep and complex. I wish this was more affordable, as current 25 yo. prices are far from fair…

It is subtle and less peated than modern Laphroaig, which is to be expected after such a long time in the cask. Yet, where's the extra complexity that should come from the quarter century of maturation?

This is ok with enough spice and fruit to keep you interested but the finish is stilted , long enough but just not as good as the palate was?

This release is closest in spirit and temperament to the 18-year-old, more developed and in-depth, of course, but clearly continuing the line, you can feel the beating of life in it, something that was missing in the previous two releases (25-year-olds of 2007 and 2008), but it turned out to be simpler, a lack of sherry in this regard is felt.

Nose: iodized salt, lime, orange peel, grapefruit, maltose, cured meat make up the sweet and salty main notes. The sea flavor brought by sea mud, seaweed, and damp wood matches the flavor of Shirley barrels very well. Hidden is excellent. Palate: Peaches, green apples, limes, lemongrass, cardamom, tea, smoked bacon, ham, iodized salt, sea mud, woody woods after the rain, still a combination of sweet fruits, tempting spices and marine elements It is difficult to distinguish which side of the power is more dominant, the strength is not strong but the degree of fusion is high, the wine strength is slightly but easy to drink. It is more regrettable that some unpleasant tastes such as grass roots, quick lime, and used matches appeared at the end, which dragged down the overall feeling. Balance, Body: Moderate wine body, moderate oiliness, excellent balance and easy to drink. Finish: Long, lime, bacon, bonfire, seaweed, moist wood fragrance, relatively dry.

Comparison between Laphroaig 25yo 2017 (WID:101491) and Laphroaig 25yo 2018 (WID:118318) In the nose the smoke is drier and stronger on the 2017 than on the 2018. The 2017 also has more woody notes and appears darker. The 2018 has even more elegant smoke and also a nice fruitiness (citrus and yellow fruits) and has more brilliance. This impression also continues in the mouth and I can almost copy the impressions from my nose. The 2017 is no longer quite as dull as it was on the nose. But it can't keep up with the 2018 because there's simply more life in it. Don't get me wrong, the 2017 is of course also a delicious whisky, because it could perhaps be done a little differently. So for me the clear winner is the bottling from 2018. I wouldn't be willing to pay the high price for the 2017. With the 2018 you could even consider it to some extent. Now the comparison between Laphroaig 18yo 2013 (WID:42886) and Laphroaig 25yo 2018 (WID:118318), because the Laphroaig 25yo 2017 (WID:101491) was not able to prevail against the 18. On the nose the 25 is fruitier and more elegant. The 18 has a little more smoke and also darker wood tones. This continues in the mouth. The 18 is more powerful, the 25 is a little more subtle and elegant. Phew, not that easy. The 18 does well. I think it's more of a question of what you want. If you want more Islay in your glass, then the choice is probably the 18. If you want something more subtle and classy, then go for the 25. So for me the 18 is definitely on par. For me, the 25er from 2018 is easily ahead because of its lovely fruitiness. I don't have a bottle of the 25 in stock. But I'm not sad that I still have two bottles of the 18 (although not exactly this one, but from 2014). My ranking: 1. 25yo 2018 2. 18yo 2013 3. 25yo 2017

Too much saltiness. I can't handle it.

Overly underrated Nothing old still bestie among new malt shxx era Cop while bargian P

Smoky and fruity, with salted caramel, iodine, salmon, smoked dark fruits and dried fruits.

Very fruity & well balanced but not strong nose intencity

I like this better than I've liked the previous OB 25yos I've tried, but wouldn't buy it for more than the £220 I paid, which seems a bit steep in itself. I've been hovering between 89 and 91 points, and now that the bottle is 3/4 empty, 90 seems to be a good compromise, because on some days it just shines, and on others it leaves me wanting. Good stuff anyway, worth a try certainly. Like a big brother to the 18yo, with a fruity twist from the oloroso casks.

Enjoyed at the Rhine Zeit in Köln. An extremely rewarding whisky when you feel like indulging yourself in a quiet moment. Unfortunately too expencive as an everyday dram for most of us.

Tasted with 7 other superb 25yo’s as birthday drams, with the following conclusion: 1-2. Lagavulin 25yo from 1977 (WB12) & Talisker 25 from 1975 (WB3034) - 94 points 3. Caol Ila 25yo from 1979 (WB462) - 92 points 4. Laphroaig 25 from 2015 (WB77940) - 91 points 5 .Caol Ila 25 from 2019 (WB147721) - 90 points 6. Talisker 25 from 2020 (WB165113) - 89 points 7-8. Ardbeg 25 from 2021 (WB194113) & Laphroaig 25 from 2017 (WB101491) - 88 points.

A classic, creamy and dainty, a bit too round and pleasing perhaps.

Creamy peat, iodine, bit of medicinal smoke, candied citrus, very good

I was opening yesterday my first Laphroaig 25 YO as the final and best bottle out of 4 tasted with one of my friends. We were starting with a classic Glen Grant Rothes Chronicles (WB ID WB114105), passing through a very good sherried Glenfarclas 185th Anniversary (WB ID WB183951), and a mild peated Kilchoman Belgium (WB ID WB140016). Today I had the second glass. My impressions are based on the 2 tastings.

Smoked ham flavor, soft sea breeze, slightly medicinal, soft and rich green fruit flavor, proper salt and spice, overall good balance

Comparison between the 2015, 2017 and 2018 releases of the Laphroaig 25 y.o. cask strength edition. On the nose: The 2015, clocking in at a comfortable 46.8%, is noticeably influenced by sherry casks in addition to the traditional (Jim Beam) ex-bourbon barrels. Creamy and sweet, with black licorice, oiled leather, wet wool, and much-diminished, yet still palpable peat smoke of vintage LP provenance – that is, snugly situated in the farmy-maritime-medicinal olfactory triangle. Deeply textured, nuanced and complex in a relaxed, refill, oldschool style. 92-93 pts. The 2017, also drawn from Bourbon and Oloroso, ups the ABV to 48.9%, but the slightly higher strength doesn’t really register on the nose. Perhaps a bit less farmy than its predecessor, this one is otherwise hard to differentiate from the 2015 release. Perhaps the 2015 is just a bit more "oldschool", it's hard to put your finger on but certainly noticeable when you compare them directly. Similar character, same high quality, nearly the same score. 91-92 pts. The 2018 is the first of the trio to veer off in a different direction. Solely an ex-bourbon vatting, this one comes at a notably higher strength of 52% and is generally brighter and closer to the modern distillery character, with more pronounced peat smoke, which makes it appear comparatively younger – more rugged and impetuous – than the previous versions. There’s also more herbal honey and corn-starch-sweetness in this one due to the cask character. I find it a slight drop-off as far as depth and old-age aromas are concerned. 90 pts. On the palate: The 2015 wins me over immediately with an incredibly silky smooth and simultaneously unctuously rich mouthfeel. The flavors are immaculate as well: deep and dark, sweet and spicy. The sherry comes through to an impressive degree on the mid-palate, contributing creamy, nutty, and berry-compote or chutney-like notes. 92 pts. Toward the death, the smoke returns in force, and manages to distract from the fact that texture-wise, the dram flattens out a bit at the end. I wouldn’t go so far as to call it watery, but you do feel that a couple of percentage points more might have provided more body and mouthfeel there at the end. That being said, that this is still a quarter-century of Laphroaig goodness is nonetheless undeniable in the finish. 90 pts. The 2017 begins more forcefully, the slightly higher ABV pushing more spice and heat to the fore, while simultaneously boosting the red-fruit and honey flavors. It’s more immediately present and intense, but the trade-off is a minimal drop-off in depth and complexity. Not quite as nuanced as the 2015, I’d say. But hey: on the other hand, it’s juicier, more lively, jammy, and acidic. It’s a matter of personal preference, not of a notable difference in quality. So, same score: 92. As far as the finish is concerned, the 2017 has none of the problems that the softer 2015 displayed. It’s going strong all the way, the higher ABV carrying the flavors into the finale without a dip in intensity. Cherry-flavored herbal lozenges in the aftertaste. Length: interminable. 92 pts. The 2018 doesn’t immediately show its higher strength, starting off mellow and honeyed, with a massive sweetness that is complemented by lovely dry notes of hay and oak. But halfway through it takes a turn and gives you a nice kick: now the 52% build up heat and crest with a spice-spike that you can’t help but feel resonating in and warming up your whole esophagus. Not a malt to be denied. I’d also say that the age is more palpable on the palate than on the nose: there’s a creamy-waxy touch that leaves little doubt that you’re tasting something 25-and-up. 92 pts. The finish strikes many of the same chords: runny honey, sun-parched bales of straw and/or hay, farmy, medicinal smoke, herbal inflections, and buckets of soot. Certainly the smokiest and longest of the trio. 92 pts as well. In sum: these are all great old malts. My personal ranking would probably be: 2015>2017>2018 because I tend to value nuance over intensity and the 2015 has the most oldschool flair, but the quality really is on a consistently and impressively high level for all three releases.

Western medicine tablets, a faint peatiness, a touch of sourness, cake, strawberry, and delicate floral notes, but unfortunately the finish is a bit watery.

Whisky itself taste good, tastes much better when opens up. Chocolatey citrusy with that beautiful smoky finish however very disappointed with Laphroaig distillery because for new release of 25 yo at distillery shop now they asking this year £500 its almost double!!!

good

Unmistakably a Laphroaig, but much more elegant in all facets than the younger bottlings. What is hidden behind the smoke far exceeds my expectations ...

brilliant whisky, truly one to ‘treat yourself’. You will however be forking out the cash on this one, as their 25 yo releases are easily north of €300, all the way up to €600 even, in some places.

Air really helps to this whisky! Nose is awesome but palate is little bit too spicy for me! Probably due to age... Hmm this one is really good but for this price will not hunt bottle

Pure balance and delicious in taste and aftertaste.

Laphroaig 25 Years Cask Strength, 2017 Edition ABV: 48.9%. Cask: Bourbon and sherry casks. Nose: Gentle smoke. Taro ice cream. Palate: Banana and a Bowmore-like soapy note. Maybe because of the sherry cask component, this one tastes much softer than the later 25-year-old releases. Score: 87 [Recommend to try]

@Andytka3 lol What did you have in your glass at this bar??? You´re a violet shirt so I should hopefully assume you´re no rookie... fresh opened bottle, so no deep notes - despite this deepness is doubtless in my glass. A consequent fellow to my beloved 18yo, but the price tag ;...(

[September 2018] After more than 25 Glenfarclas tastings over the course of the last weeks my taste buds demand "and now something completely different" (you remember Monthy Python?). And this is it, surely... ...the 2017 edition of a classical Laphroaig that I bought for 267 Euro recently. While I did not like any of the modern NAS Laphroaig editions that are extremely wood-driven with sometimes rather immature or flawed spirits (by the way, I do not call them whisky anymore but "woodsky") - I really adore the old-style distillate-driven Laphroaig that seems to be gone forever since the Beam management took over the control of this fine distillery. This edition is an excellent example of how great Laphroaig was, once ago. It is a truly complex, greatly balanced and very, very quaffable dram that is worth even today's very high prices. Get your hands on a bottle of this fine stuff if you like this old Laphy style (and you can afford it) - because this Laphroaig profile will be gone forever in about ten years from now, sadly... [November 2022] I donated a bottle to a community charity tasting "Islay before the boom - drams of the last century". I fully confirm my old review and score.

Jan 2021 i was able to buy this special 25yo Islay Whisky for 290€ for a bottle sharing with other aficinados. at this time being my most expensive bottle so far. my expectations were not too high actually, because i know, these little differences for old, good whisky's are extremely expensive and hardly worth every penny... this malt comes with a nice wooden case and directly shows it's extravaganza. even the paper on the bottle seems to be thicker than the normal ones, with a nice touch. i opened the bottle and had a nice dense smoky first smell, i will not forget for a while. after pouring a nice dram, i let it sit for around 30-40 minutes. sometimes putting my nose inside...:

a superb whisky, ticking off all the right boxes bare the price tag.

I oscillated pretty wildly between loving the complexity of the meat and tea on the palate— as well as the subtle transition from sweet and mineral notes to ash and sea— and feeling as if the palate and mouthfeel were just too weak to really stand up. The finish was lovely, but the overall impression is that the whisky feels a bit watered down— perhaps too delicate and refined for my brutish taste buds. Mental Image: Barley Stuffed Duck & Tea.