Laphroaig 1998 ‘Beach Bonfires’ Wemyss

Wemyss, the independent bottler that recently opened their own Kingsbarns distilleerderij, has thus far only bottled two casks of Laphroaig. This was the second, bottled in 2012. The name ‘Beach Bonfires’ makes me expect a martime malt with loads of smoke. Just the way I like Laffie. It is very pale.

The nose is surprisingly sweet. Yes, the smoke is unmistakable. Yes, the typical citrusy notes are present. But yet I have a lot more vanilla and honey than I am used from Laphroaig. Gooseberries too. Tar and fish oil in the back. This is fine, but it smells a lot younger than its 14 years.

Good mouthfeel. Almost fatty, in fact. Now I get a lot more maritime elements than on the nose. Think seaweeds, wet rocks, loads of salt and even some dried stockfish. Oyster sap. Midpalate the vanilla and honey try to make it sweet again, but to no avail. It remains stubbornly Laffie, which is not a bad thing. Nice development of smoke like from a bonfire on the beach. Oh, right: ‘Beach Bonfires’.

The finish is long and warm, spicy on liquorice and white pepper. It dies a sweet/salty death.

Laffie as it was meant to be. Nuff said. Recommended.

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