The Bonding Dram is one of the leading web retailers in Belgium. To celebrate its 3rd anniversary, there’s a bottling of Laphroaig 1996 in the Malts of Scotland Clubs range.

Laphroaig 13 yo 1996 (57,3%, Malts of Scotland 2010 for The Bonding Dram, cask #7313, 255 btl.)

Nose: classic young Laphroaig. Peaty with notes of bandages. Tar. A few coastal hints (iodine) and overtones of lemon grass. Sweet apples. Water makes it even better, with more fruit and lemon marmalade. Balanced and round, with everything you’d expect from a young Laphroaig in the right amount. Mouth: rich and ashy but again balanced by sweeter notes and a creamy texture. Tar again. Some salty liquorice in the aftertaste. Water doesn’t change it much, but brings out a nice toffee sweetness in the end. Finish: long, smoky and slightly salty.

A particularly solid Laphroaig with a great balance, congratulations to Jeroen. Available here, priced € 59 and you get a free 5cl mini.

Score: 88/100