Laphroaig 15 Year Old
Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
46% ABV / RRP: £85.00

Laphroaig has never really been a whisky for sitting quietly in the corner. Instantly recognisable from even the most restrained of initial noses, it’s big, smoky, medicinal, maritime and unapologetically itself.

In addition to its core-range releases, which include the Quarter Cask, 10 and 18 Year Old expressions, as well as its famed Càirdeas series and a whole host of limited editions, the Islay-based distillery also previously offered a rather fabulous 15 Year Old, which was sadly discontinued in 2009. But we can now rejoice in the news that, as of last month, it has made a return to shelves, and I was particularly excited to get reacquainted with all its Bourbon barrel matured bounty!

Nose: Brazen yet balanced bursts of barbecue smoke, damp peat, dried hay, pink grapefruit, lemon and honey lozenges, accompanied by a coastal salinity. These are followed by notes of digestive biscuits, vanilla fudge, clove, charred oak and that unmistakable medicinal aroma of a hospital corridor.

Palate: Wonderfully thick waves of salt and peat smoke, cracked black pepper, lemon zest and pink grapefruit, followed by slightly over-baked, charred-edged fruit cake, vanilla Chantilly cream, sea salt, mixed spice and toasted oak.

Finish: Long and wonderfully, reassuringly intense. Given time, and it is in no hurry to finish, it slowly and gracefully begins to fade.

Summary: A much-welcomed return of Laphroaig 15 Year Old, IMHO, offering whisky enthusiasts the chance to rediscover a much-missed expression from the iconic Islay distillery. It provides a great contrast and comparison to its younger 10 Year Old age-stated sibling, while showcasing the added depth and refinement that come with continued maturation into its teen years and beyond. All in all, it’s a right rollicking and rewarding revival!