The fruitiest dram we have, says the Laphroaig website. I believe this Laphroaig Port Wood Casks used to be called Laphroaig Port Wood but changed its name around 2023. If I’m not mistaken it is a travel retail expression, although that is often not a strict limitation.
Laphroaig Port Wood Casks (48%, OB ‘Cask Collection’ 2023, Ruby Port cask finish)
Nose: the usual strawberry jam, cassis, red plums and blackberry. Some charred peaches and lacquered bacon in the distance. Then maritime peat with seaweed and hints of plaster. The initial bourbon maturation also added some vanilla. Reasonably balanced.
Mouth: a lot of ashy peat and green pepper, mixed with red berries and plums. I expected a darker, sweeter profile but it’s actually more focused on citrus zest, chilli spice, nutmeg and sharper hints of seaweed, with a light winey edge. Not that fruity in fact. Then some chocolate bitterness takes over, along with cold coffee. Certainly less balanced than the nose.
Finish: medium length, bittersweet, with slightly acrid smoke.
As you know I’m not a big fan of Port casks. This one seemed nice enough on the nose, but my enthusiasm dropped after a few sips. The mix of peat and sweetness isn’t working too well and complexity is lower than in other expressions. Still available from Master of Malt for instance.