Laphroaig Cairdeas Feis Ile 2010

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 2010 release, the so-called Master Edition, composed with 11 to 19 years old Laffie that was taken for 50% out of bourbon hogsheads and 50% from first fill bourbon barrels. The nose screams ‘Laffie’ with its medicinal notes, ubiquitous citrus and lovely smokiness. There is some sweetness in there from vanilla and hazel nuts, saltiness from sea salt and even a hint of wood glue. Some leather and dark chocolate. It had me at the first whiff. Oily body and immediately picquant on pepper, salt, citrus and… err… smoke chicken with a layer of honey. Wait. What? Yup, it’s true. The citrus does take the lead quickly. Rather zesty too. Fruity on pineapple and apples. Vanilla becomes big and tries to counter the peat, but to no avail. But scary good.

The finish is very long on ashes and citrus, loads of citrus with a peppery death.

Delicious Laffie without question. Pity that it has become all but extinct (and if you do find it, be prepared to fork over 250 to 500 EUR).

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