I’ve reviewed quite a few Laphroaig expressions already but everyone kept telling me I should try Laphroaig 18 Year Old. In 2009 it was launched as the replacement for the Laphroaig 15 Year Old, which returned in 2015. Apparently this was a sign for Laphroaig to phase out the 18 Year Old.
The 18 has always been available in very limited quantities and this led to a lot of speculation about its termination. In some shops it is already listed as ‘discontinued’ so remaining stocks will probably be gone in the near future.
Laphroaig 18 yo
(48%, OB +/- 2016)
Laphroaig 18 yoNose: a very elegant approach, slowly growing bigger. Mild peat with toffee sweetness, dark espresso and some buttery notes. High on coastal notes and sea spray as well. Sesame oil, liquorice, smoked bacon, countered by a little vanilla and honey. Sweet oranges and ginger too.
Mouth: slightly creamier and elegant again, with lots of oranges and one or two tangerines. Peat smoke, some rose pepper and plenty of coffee notes after a while. Some tobacco. Not the biggest, nor the most complex Laphroaig, but a very enjoyable and elegant combination of flavours.
Finish: long, drier, on liquorice, acrid smoke, salted butter and oranges.
A very good Laphroaig, relatively gentle and refined, with nice fruity touches. Prices have gone up lately, but I’d say it is still good value and worth checking out if you can still find it. Around € 110.
Score: 90/100