A recent addition to the Boutique-y Whisky range: Laphroaig 20 Years, Batch number 6. Middle-aged Laphroaig from what appears to be a sherry cask (based on the colour), let’s dive in.
Laphroaig 20 yo
(49,9%, That Boutique-y Whisky Company 2018, Batch #6, 50 cl, 490 btl.)
Laphroaig 20 yoNose: starts fairly dry, with antiseptics, hessian, medicinal herbs and soot, but it becomes wonderfully fruity after a while. Hints of strawberries, soaked raisins and papaya. Menthol, coastal notes and tobacco. A sherry cask, I presume – a nice one.
Mouth: same balance of chocolate and espresso, black pepper and medicinal peat with some honeyed notes and red fruits. Cinnamon pastry, smoked orange liqueur and a slight jammy edge. Then back to liquorice, brine and seashells.
Finish: long, warming, slightly leathery, with plenty of ashes and mild medicinal notes.
Pretty excellent: the ashy, peaty side is really big and the round, bright fruitiness and sherry notes make it quite complex. Great bottling. Available from Master of Malt.
Score: 90/100