Sometimes people send me a surprise package with a couple of samples they want me to try. Always a wonderful experience. That’s also how I got to try this Laphroaig 1973, bottled in 1987 at just 14 years of age.
It was bottled from a single cask by John Avery and the outturn was split between his Avery’s of Bristol shop (remember their excellent Glen Grant 1959) and a close friend.
Laphroaig 14 yo 1973 (40%, Averys of Bristol 1987)
Nose: the peaty depth is so different from modern bottlings. It’s not bold, but it shows lovely tobacco leaves and high-end cigars, worn leather jackets, dark chocolate, soy sauce and some dried fruits. Bramble and raisins. Then old herbal tea, as well as some Pu-Erh, light menthol and a hint of OBE – shoe polish. Some old metal tools and cedar wood. I’m picking up some overripe (slightly tropical) fruits as well, but they struggle to shine.
Mouth: these fruits are certainly there though. Smoked apricot and a hint of papaya – though very much in the background. The smoky side is fantastic: tobacco again, roasted chestnut, hints of coffee beans and smoked tea. Then subtle resinous bitters and old Chartreuse, dark chocolate, a little rye bread and dusty books. Hints of very old sherry brandy as well.
Finish: long, with tarry notes, earthy smoke and drying herbal notes. Always a dark sweetness underneath, keeping a perfect balance.
I’m very grateful for this one (thanks, Cicada). Excellent whisky, and with just a few more degrees it could have been propelled even higher. Apparently The Whisky Exchange is selling a couple of bottles.