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 Triple Wood, from the remote island of Islay in the Western Isles of Scotland, has enjoyed a triple maturation in 3 types of cask. Just as with our standard Quarter Cask expression, the first maturation is in American oak, ex-bourbon barrels. We then select the most suitable of these barrels, containing a range of different aged spirit and transfer into small 19th century style Quarter Casks for a second maturation. The final maturation is in specially selected, large European oak, Oloroso sherry casks. Bottled at 48% alc/vol.
Ultimate Beverage Challenge – 93 points.
Tasting Notes
NOSE: Quite sweet with a gentle mixture of sweet raisins and creamy apricots with just a trace of the dry peat smoke at the back, the smoother nutty flavors combine all these flavors into one smooth, syrupy whole. With a touch of water, the peat smoke comes to the fore and masks the gentler fruitier notes. Even with the maturation being carried out in 1st fill bourbons, quarter casks and sherry butts, the intense bonfire ash smell of the earthy peat cannot be masked.
PALATE: Creamy, with no water, a large initial burst of peat belies the slight lack on the nose but is gentled on the tongue by the creamier flavors of vanilla and fruit with just a suggestion of sherry sweetness. With a trace of water, the peat reek is gentled, allowing the more complex flavors of citrus fruits and spices to come through. A slight tang comes from the European Oak balancing the creamier American White Oak.
FINISH: Mouth filling and extremely long but balanced by the sweet smooth caramel taste.