Laphroaig 10 yo Original Cask Strength Red Stripe

 

 

 

57,3°

Distillery : Laphroaig - Islay 

Bourbon and Sherry Casks 

Original Bottling 

Core Range

Single Malt 

Launched circa 2004

Unchillfiltered, Cask Strength

Peated around 43 ppm

 

 

 

There are two Laphroaig Original Cask Strength Red Stripe. This is the first, released in the early 2000s, certainly in 2004. It has an alcohol content of 57.3%. The second came out in 2007-2008, it has an alcohol content of 55.7°. Obviously, the former is more difficult to find. It is not cold filtered, "straight from the wood", as it is mentioned on the label, on the other hand colouring is used, this is specified on the bottles sold in Germany, because it is mandatory. The colouring does not change much to the quality of the juice, as long as it is not cold filtered, everything is fine.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is a little shy at first, with a hint of smoke, deep peat, iodine as far as the eye can see, a very discreet medicinal touch. Bandages, camphor. Gradually opens up, but it takes time. With red fruits, blackcurrants, lingonberries, as if lost in the smoke, the tar gains strength, fuel oil, gas oil, motor oil. The fruit eventually overtakes everything, slowly, moving towards passion fruit and papaya. Very well balanced if you give it time to breathe. Quite oily on the palate, with a tide of nails mingling with iodine, caramelised tar, oiled liquorice, woody gas oil and puffs of smoke that invade the palate. Fairly soft spices, cloves, a hint of cinnamon, then lots of blueberries that fall into your lap, in pie, in jam, and finally a lovely finish, still with blueberries, dark chocolate, arabica-rich coffee, charcoal, creosote. Very long finish, coming back two or three times, earthy, roots, a little slush. Herbaceous touches. Nutmeg. Truffles.

 

In Short, 

Very interesting, this old bottling. The red is not only on the label, but also in the bottle. I bet a few casks of Pedro Ximénez Sherry were used. My only reservation is this very shy nose at first, which ends up being very beautiful, but it takes time and patience. The medicinal touch is very discreet too. The rest is superb. It's less rough and strong than the current Batches, less spirity above all, more subtle and fruity. My rating is a little generous, but I take into account that old beasts like that take time to be tamed and give their potential.

Score : 91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           SLIFT - Ummon