Laphroaig Cairdeas Feis Ile 2008

Thanks to my good friend Chris Lauriers – whisky ambassador for Belgium – I have the opportunity to try no less than 10 – ten! – Feis Ile bottlings from Laphroaig in a row from 2007 until 2016. This is going to be a trip to remember.

This is the 2008 release, with no age statement and the first to be called Cairdeas – which means friendship. I was told this is a mix of 2 casks of Laffie 17 and 33 quarter casks, all between 9 and 15 years old. Well… that sounds interesting.

Lovely sweet nose. Loads of vanilla, caramel and nuts. When I put my nose in the glass a second time, I get a lot of coastal notes with sea weeds and peat. Citrus and some coconut kick in. The third time… well… sneakers! Lovely, complex nose that is well balanced.

Soft and oily, mildly spicy but very smoke on the palate and the 55% ABV manifests itself. Dry from the first sip. Some notes of earth, white fruit, citrus (a lot of it!) and sea salt, followed by ashes and sea weeds. Classic Laffie that can be enjoyed without water, but can probably take some too.

The finish is medium long, smoky and round and – strangely enough – less dry than the palate promised. It dies a mildly bitter death.

Unfortunately this one can no longer be found, but if you get a chance to try it, don’t let it pass you by. This is a delicious Laffie!

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