Laphroaig 13 Year Old 1996 QV.ID

For the next Laffie in this series, I had to go through my cabinet of sample. I found a bottling from 2009, bottled by Koen from the Belgian shop QVID. It is a 13 Year Old Laphroaig from 1996. The D on the label refers to QVID, obviously. I tried their V, a 10 Year Old Highland Park before, will soon try the I, a 12 Year Old Caol Ila. But the Q, a 9 Year Old Cooley, is unfortunately long gone and I was unable to score a sample. Anyway, back to this Laffie teenager.

Young sweet peat on the nose, with humus and earth. Wet leaves. Fresh mushrooms! Then quite a bit of vanilla and something meaty emerges, followed by salt and medicinal touches. The nose comes in waves, so to speak. And it is not over yet. Some citrus and apple sauce join the fray. Grass and hay. This is a complex Laffie, despite the young age.

Sturdy mouth feel and creamy attack. Well, it is almost 60% ABV, after all. A lot sweeter than on the nose, but also a lot more salt. Yes, this one turns to brine. Very much so. Quite a bit of citrus, that takes control. Warms the insides. Ashes poke through, but do not dominate, which is good. Too much citrus for that anyway. Liquorice, pepper and some drying tannins make for a nice depth.

The finish lasts forever and remains very smoky and salty.

Well, this has just made my day. I have to repress the urge to lick my glass clean. Was only 45 EUR at the time, which is dirt cheap. But unfortunately completely sold out. Darn!

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