Islay Blended Malt 11 Year Old 2011 Magnificent Five

Two years ago, Magnificent Five – a West Flemish whisky society – already bottled an Islay Blended Malt of 8 years old. It was sherry hogshead #LAP29, which suggested (rightly) that it was a teaspooned Laphroaig. And now look... they could lay their hands on sister cask #LAP30 which had been sleeping for 11 years. Smoked ham with a thick rind, Wellington Boots, ashes from the BBQ, burn ointment and quite a few raisins. Strange combo? Yes. Delicious? Double yes! A roast with a mustard crust from the oven and a bar of milk chocolate. Serious bomb on the nose and I'm already sold. Despite the high ABV, it does not burn at all. Yes, it's powerful, of course, but doesn't need water. Nice and punchy. Sweet versus salty. Salted caramel versus walnut liqueur. Nice and smoky and spicy on black pepper, cloves and nutmeg. Charred wood and maple syrup. This is mightily tasty! The Finish – with a capital letter! – is long, very long. Sweet and spicy with an umami edge. And I feel the urge to pour myself another one. That says it all! At least as good as the previous release. Absolutely delicious, dark sweet Laffie. It took me 0.4 seconds to decide I wanted a bottle in my bar cabinet.