Belgian bottler Daily Dram released some very good Laphroaigs over the past couple of years: Hag Rap Oil (distilled in 1998 as well), Aloha Grip and now this brand new Philo Raga.

Laphroaig ‘Philo Raga’ 11y 1998 
(57,5%, Daily Dram 2009)

Nose: powerful and very direct, starting on coal smoke and smoked ham. Liquid tar. Lots of medicinal notes, antiseptic, phenols, wet wool. A hint of vanilla and apples. Almonds. Slightly grassy and buttery as well, certainly if you compare it to OB’s like the Quarter Cask. Beautiful. Mouth: impressive attack of peat smoke, coal and sea air. Eucalyptus. Some walnuts and pepper. Lemon notes. Finish: a barbecue that’s cooling off. Very ashy and phenolic. Getting slightly salty as well. Lovely notes of marzipan and cocoa in the aftertaste. After ten minutes: cigar.

Very smoky and peaty Laphroaig. It takes the profile of Hag Rap Oil a step further, with more complexity and maturity. Around € 65.

Score: 87/100

What’s next? Agar Pholi, Oral Hag Pi, Goal Phria,
A Girl Hopa…?