Laphroaig Càirdeas 2019 Triple Wood Original Cask Strength

 

59,5°

Distillery : Laphoraig - Islay

Bourbon, Quarter and Oloroso Sherry Casks

Original Bottling

Limited Edition

Single Malt

Bottled in 2019

Unchillfiltered, Cask Strength

Peated around 43 ppm 

 

 

 

Since 2008, Laphroaig has released an annual edition of this Càirdeas (which means 'friendship' in Gaelic) at the time of Feis Ile, Islay's famous music festival. Each time, the distillate underwent a different finish. This year, they must have run out of inspiration, so they took a cask-strength version of Triple Wood. Since they had no doubts about its success, they bottled 36,000 copies. 

 

Let's Taste It :

The nose is very similar to the diluted Triple Wood, with a dash of sherry between the tar and ash, but more woody. This gives it a slightly herbal flavour. The medicinal touch is there, of course. A wisp of smoke. On the palate, it's tasty, very red fruit and candy sugar, but quite peaty, and with spices to boot. Gooseberries, blackberries and rhubarb. Slight vanilla in the background. Very explosive finish. Leaves an aftertaste of charcoal and raspberry. Damp wood.

In Short,

It's very good, but I don't see what it adds compared to the diluted Triple Wood. At that price, they could have made the effort to blend something slightly different or older.

Score : 87 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                      To Be Listened While Sipping :                                

   

                                          The smashing Pumpkins - Cherub Rock