In making Laphroaig, malted barley is dried over a peat fire. The smoke from this peat, found only on Islay, gives Laphroaig its particularly rich flavour. Laphroaig is best savoured neat, or with a little cool water. Roll it around on your tongue. Release the pungent, earthy aroma of blue peat smoke, the sweet nuttiness of the barley, the delicate heathery perfume of Islay's streams. It is as unique as the island itself.
This 18 year old expression of Laphroaig is made in limited quantities each year and savoured by a fortunate few. A soft, sweet and spicy Islay peat smoke greets you when you first open the bottle. The immediate taste is an oak sweetness, from 18 years in the barrel. A faint hint of the sea can be detected, testimony to its time maturing on the remote island of Islay.
An initial bouquet of the dried yellow fruit found in muesli; later on, added scents of unsweetened coconut, honey, and light toffee beautifully complement the dried fruit aroma. The palate entry is chewy and honeyed; at midpalate the dried fruit, clover, and honey flavors meld delightfully with the oily, creamy texture. Concludes sensuously and regally. Best Buy.
Score: 96-100. December 31, 2004.
This Speyside single malt is matured in Sherry oak casks from Jerez, Spain, for a minimum of 18 years. The amber spirit has a big, warm caramel flavor, finishing with a touch of sweet honey, bitter chocolate and espresso on the lingering finish. Viscous, creamy mouthfeel.
A hint of peat smoke, combined with a salty maritime flavour. Citrus orangey notes are also present in both the nose and on the palate, and the sweeter honeyed notes give our malt a smooth silky finish.
Appearance: Brilliant gold. Nose: Powerful peat-smoke with sea-water saltiness, the liquor of fresh oysters, and a citrus sweetness. Body: Full. Palate: A rich dried-fruit sweetness with clouds of smoke and strong barley-malt flavours, warming and intense. Peppery at the back of the mouth. Finish: Huge, long, warming and peppery in the finish with an appetizing sweetness.
Pale golden color. American oak, vanilla, and coconut on the nose, with a hint of plums. Full malty flavor, medium sweet, with vanilla and orange zest. Medium length finish, medium dry. Produced to the same exacting quality standards as the Vintages, Select Reserve is a vatting of casks distilled in different years. It has been crafted to typify all that is The Glenrothes in its early prime. What we call the ‘House Style’. Laden with ripe fruits, citrus, vanilla and hints of spice, the Select Reserve is the essence, the very heart of The Glenrothes range in terms of taste and flavour. From this expression all other Vintages are born.