Kempisch Vuur 3 Year Old Single Cask L3

In May 2016 the third cask L3 (quarter cask from Laphroaig) was bottled of the Kempisch Vuur Belgian single malt. I have only just tried the L2, so it is easy to compare. The nose of L3 is even less sweet, but more buttery on the nose. Again the hint of plasticine is very obvious, making me think this is a trait of the spirit. I would need a sample of the new make to be absolutely sure (hint, hint, I know you are reading this, Mr Pirlot). This one also has some green garden herbs, which I quite like. On the palate, it is less creamy than sister casks L1 and L2, but still very oily. It is immediately very spicy and more sour than sweet. This one is a lot less fruity as well, which I find a bit of a pity. This is all on earthy notes and peat. The finish is – for a three year old whisky at least – quite long and very smoky. The nose was quite wonderful, but on the palate it lost a few points. It is the least of the three in my opinion. The black sheep of the family? Nevertheless, it remains a surprisingly nice and interesting whisky, so I am looking forward to L4.