Laphroaig Cairdeas?

@Jonesz, the 2015 Cairdeas is a smoke bomb with an extra serving of light fruits. Now opened six months, I must say the peat and smoke has not dissipated at all, it may actually be stronger!

$113 Canadian dollars seems like a fair price for this. Australians pay upwards of $170 Australian dollars for a bottle and it is pretty much sold out here.

I have sampled it and I think it is quite good although I think I prefer the Origin a little better.

@sengjc @paddockjudge Thanx for this. Still not sure but likely to grab a couple more before they are gone.

@Jonesz It's a no lose situation. Even if you decide you don't want them you'll find those willing to take them off your hands.

They're both good. I want to say that the 2015 is better, but I ought to do a head-to-head on that to confirm.

Probably only fellow Canadians can give you a good second opinion on the value question. Here in the American Midwest, the 2015 is still plentiful and priced around $75 USD.

@Nozinan Or "Friends" who will help dispose of them. I agree tho probably a "no loser"

@OlJas Yes the retail price here is just under $100 before tax and that is darn close (about 97.50 CDN) to $75 US funds. So not as much of a gouge as we often see this side of the border.

@Jonesz I believe the 2015 is a 200th Anniversary release. It has no age statement but online it looks like the spirit was aged just under 12 years. Unlikely to go down in value...

@Nozinan , yep! The "1815-2015" branding is quite prominent on the packaging, which made it a nice choice for a wedding gift I gave my buddy for his wedding last year.

OK, I'm drinking the both of them right now:

*Cairdeas 2014, from a sample I saved from my one full bottle about a year ago: Sharp, phenolic, and Laphroaigy. The amontillado casks haven't smothered the spirit; they've just made it more tangy on the swallow. Nice dry, ashy finish--maybe a little sour. Let's say 86.

*Cairdeas 2015, from the 25% of a bottle opened a few months ago: Oilier, "lower" in flavor range, rounder, satisfying. Seems more like generic but high-quality peated whisky rather than anything that screams "Laphroaig!" If I didn't know the strengths, I would guess this had a way higher ABV than the 2014 by virtue of its think UNwatery-ness. I'll give it an objective quality score of 88 and a personal enjoyment rating of 83.

I'm surprised: Despite the relative thinness of the 2014, I think I prefer it. It's sharper and, to me, more obviously Laphroaigy. They're both good, but I'd say it comes down to a preference for sharp flavors (2014) or rounded flavors (2015). I haven't had the QC in a few years, but if that's a favorite, then the 2015 is probably a better bet. And the 2015 is probably more collectible due its general acclaim and the 200th anniversary angle.

@OlJas Wow, that is service at its' best. Thank-you for this. Going to the city today and will let you know my decision later.

Thanx for the help everyone. Couldn't decide so bought one of each. The 2015 will be opened for happy hour this evening as I have two others in the bunker. Will not open the 2014 edition for awhile.

@Jonesz with 2 in the bunker I think I would have done the same thing...

If I remember correctly the 2014 had more of a vanilla tinge to it. The Cairdeas 2015 seemed to have more depth and the finish is just right for me. Just had some of the 2012 Origin and it is a solid dram.

The Cairdeas line was getting rave reviews and after having 2012 version been getting atleast another bottle (Don't have the 2013 version). The 2015 version is currently going for about double retail at an auction in Europe.

If you can would recommend you buy Laphroaig 18 about $190 plus tax in BC before it takes a hiatus. Better yet if you have buddy in the USA(It should be cheaper)to stash you a bottle. When it comes back doubt it will be that price again. Given the option of two bottles of Cairdeas or one Laph 18, that wouldn't be a question. Laph 18!!

Well I guess it would still be a question, but it would take me a nano second to come up with an answer.

@MrFathom Thanx for weighing in. I have a Laph 18 which is awaiting a special occasion ie. I have never tasted it yet. Appreciate your take on the Cairdeas vs 18. Makes me happy that I own a bottle of the 18. Anticipation is a major part of the enjoyment for me.