Laphroaig Cairdeas 15, 43% abv.

This 2017 laphy 15 has a little bit of confusion attached to it. It was suddenly listed for sale on the Laphroaig website when Friends of Laphroaig were expecting another 2017 Càirdeas. Note at that point, the 15 was discontinued in 2009 for the 18 (which later also got discontinued), only to reappear as a one-off to celebrate Laphroaig's 200th anniversary. There was virtually no information on this bottle back then and the most common rumor was that it was just quarter cask at 15 years... at least now we know its first fill bourbon casks. I personally think Laphroaig had some website issues as that was around the time they went live with a bad website that mixed online orders... making this release accidental. I have no idea what really happened though.

Nose: wood and smoke, salt, faint hints of honey roasted nuts.

Palate: standard peat smoke and wood, back palate is a little sweet and salty.

Finish: short, wood and smoke.

Very light, the peat is light on this, along with the accompanying smoke. Wood and salt are the dominant flavors. A little plain though.

Grade: C

Couldn't find quantifiable, reliable reviews.

Image courtesy of Eric Yee.

Eric Yee

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