Laphroaig 18 Year Old 1996 Malts of Scotland

This Laffie was bottled especially for the legendary Lindores Whisky Fest in Ostend, Belgium. Please note that this was a brandy hogshead. Say what? A cask that held cognac before? Really. I do not think I have seen this before. Those LWS boys… but is it any good? It is very pale.

Strangely enough, my first impression upon putting my nose in the glass was ‘new make’! Weird, no? After all, this is 17 years old. Very coastal, as they say, on oyster sap, seaweeds, rocks in the surf, mildly medicinal, but with a sweet twist. That must be from the brandy cask. Reminds me a bit of baked apples and sultanas. A touch of menthol and camphor as well. Surprisingly fresh.

It is surprisingly creamy on the palate. Again all the elements of the coast are there, upholstered with camphor and pepper, but sweeter than anticipated. I am reminded of apricots and apples. This does not need water. Midpalate some citrus appears. Let us make that grapefruit. Boy, this is so drinkable! The smokiness becomes truly grand. I love it.

The finish is tremendously long on smoke, while salt and sweet battle for supremacy.

Great Laffie, very special and sweet. I do not think I have ever had such a sweet Laphroaig before. It costs around 140 EUR and is worth every penny in my book.

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