Since 2024 Laphroaig 30 Year Old comes in annual batches. It spent time in both American oak barrels and European sherry hogsheads and butts. The 30 is the oldest whisky in the core range by quite a big margin: I don’t think there are any expressions to fill the gap between the Laphroaig 18 Years and this one.
Laphroaig 30 yo (45,8%, OB 2024, 10.500 btl.)
Nose: quite gentle, with subdued medicinal notes. Instead we get more grape sweetness and lime, a little wax evolving to bacon fat, and rosemary oil, along with warm ashes. Subtle ocean spray. Some citrus peels (maybe bergamot) and thyme. This herbal edge mixes with Parma violets after a while, which I find a bit disturbing, but it fades. Just a whiff of beach bonfire in the distance.
Mouth: mild, with velvety smoke, candied orange peels, sharp herbs and warm ashes. A burst of salinity. Then some fruits as well, slightly tropical but far less impactful than I hoped. Light mango and pink grapefruit. White pepper and generally a bit more punchy oak than the nose suggested. Light hints of walnuts and tobacco.
Finish: medium length, now a bit more medicinal. Also lemon oil and ashes. A drying hint of rubber too.
Quite a subtle, even slightly thin expression. Some ups and downs. I don’t think I’ve ever had earlier versions of Laphroaig 30 Year Old, but based on the old 25 Year Old and the 30-somethings from indie bottlers I was hoping for more fruity sparkle. Available from Master of Malt or The Whisky Exchange, among others.