About
The Laphroaig distillery was established in 1815 by Donald and Alexander Johnston, it is located in Port Charlotte, and is currently owned by Beam Inc. Since 1994 Laphroaig has been the only whisky to carry the Royal Warrant of HRH, Prince Charles of Wales. It is known for producing one of the most peated Islay single malt whiskys, among Lagavulin, Ardbeg, and Bruichladdich.
Laphroaig 25 Year Cask Strength has been lovingly created by marrying Laphroaig that has been matured in Oloroso Sherry casks with Laphroaig that has been matured in ex-American Bourbon Barrels; both were filled with newly distilled Laphroaig spirit from day one. When you marry together the sherried, oaky flavours from the 2nd fill European Oak Oloroso Sherry Casks with the creamy, smooth, sweet flavours from the ex American Oak Bourbon barrels you end up with a marriage made in heaven that’s called Laphroaig 25 Years Old. Bottled at cask strength, it is a perfect fusion of these two most different styles of maturation flavours, made even smoother by the 25 years it has had gently maturing.
Ultimate Beverage Challenge – 95 points.
Tasting Notes
NOSE: At bottling strength the aroma seems quite closed giving only a rich, sweet scent but a touch of water releases all the multitude of different flavors. The initial sweet, sherry sweetness is quickly followed but the time-honored Islay peat tang. After this opening burst of flavor there is a smooth fruit ripeness that complements the tang of salt in the background.
PALATE: Rich round and full. The burst of peat that fills the mouth is quickly restrained by a sherry sweetness that slowly develops into spicy apple fruitiness.
FINISH: Very long and warming leaving a distinct tang of Islay.