What Wee Dram are you enjoying now?

[unclebunk]

Although you and I may differ politically, we usually see eye to eye on whiskey. This is an exception. I think Laphroaig has been "dumbed down" slowly over the last 30 years or so. The Laphroaig of today is a mere hint of the Laphroaig of the 70s or 80s. Especially the 10. While the seaweed and iodine is still there, it has been greatly reduced. Their master blender told me this was done intentionally to make it "more acceptable" to a greater number of people. Some think this is a good thing. I (and others) think that he destroyed the Laphroaig that we knew and loved. We begged him to recreate the old Laphroaig, put it in a different package, raise the price (if need be) and sell it for those of us who love and miss the medicinal briny taste that was so distinctly Laphroaig. However if I had to choose one whisky to drink for the rest of my life, after some deliberation, I'd probably sitill choose Laphroaig 10 over the 15, and over Lagavulin and Ardbeg.

[Stu]

Unfortunately, my entry into the world of Laphroaig only began roughly ten years ago, so I have nothing to compare the current Laphroaig 10 to. I really loved the Laphroaig Quarter Cask which seemed to up the intensity a notch, so I'm assuming that the Cask Strength is as close as I am going to get to the Laphroaig 10 of the seventies. I'm also planning on going halves with a friend on a bottle of Laphroaig 30 which may shed some light on what you are referring to. So, is the Cask Strength the way to go then?

The Laphroaig 30 is a totally different laphroaig than you've ever tasted. It has been aged in sherry cask, something Laphroaig does not do. It was purchased by an individual who held it for thirty years and died. Laphroaig bought it from his estate and bottled and sold it. While I find it a very enjoyable dram, I was dissapointed the first time i tasted it (before I knew the sherry story). I was able to get 2 bottles at $175/each. If I saw more at that price I'd buy it.

[Stu]

Stu, what, in your opinion, comes close to the Laphroaig in current offerings? I've found Talisker to be a hearty dram, and it calls to the imagination a bit of what you feel is lacking (my speculation) in the Laphroaig.

In any case, tonight I had a small pour of Highland Park 12. Nice, a little peppery, but I'm not getting any salt or smoke that others refer to. Maybe I'll try again tomorrow. Was gifted a bottle of Glenmorangie, 10 yo I think, with a nice glass and a mini of the LaSanta. I'll give that one a whirl tomorrow.

Cheers!

The closest thing to the original Laphroaig is the current Laphroaig IMO. While I love Talisker, it is it's own whisky. I get some sea in it but what I really love about it is the peppery hints. It's my favorite dram if my wife is cooking Mexican. Highland Park and every other scotch malt I've tried have been excellent on their own right. The reason I said scotch malt is because Old Portrero and Wasmunds makes malt whiskey and I've had some that is far from good. IMO the worst standard scotch malt is Speyside, and it is enjoyable to me with a little duster (1 part water to 4 parts whisky) - something I normally don't do. I had one in Scotland that was as bad, and I don't remember the name, and the distillery has been long closed.

[AVB]

I see Stu beat me to it. Great minds and all that......

The thirty is in no way close to what the old Laphroaig was, in fact it was a product never planned by Laphroaig. Years ago the distillery sold a number of casks to a private individual who had the contents transferred from the bourbon casks Laphroaig uses into sherry casks. Since Laphroaig didn't do sherry casking his plan was to sell this variant after aging it an appropriate amount of time. Well....he died and the casks sat in limbo for a few years while his heirs decided what to do with them and by this time they were about 27 years old. It was at this point Laphroaig decided to buy them back and offer them as an official release. Since that took a bit of time and a 30 yo release is more impressive than a 28 or 29 yo release Laphroaig held on to them until they reached 30 years. The thirty is unique in its own way and you may never see an old sherry casked Laphroaig again but it in no way resembles the bottlings from the 70's. What you want to buy is the new 25 yo for a glimpse into the past.

..... I'm also planning on going halves with a friend on a bottle of Laphroaig 30 which may shed some light on what you are referring to.

[Megawatt]

Tonight I started on my free bottle of Gibson's Finest Sterling. I was not impressed at first, finding it rather harsh. It has grown on me somewhat, though. It's a bit simple, lots of alcohol evident in the nose, a bit of toffee and spice on the palate. Very short finish. Probably not the best representation of the Gibson's brand, but nevertheless an undemanding anytime whisky which probably mixes well.

Also on the menu tonight: Islay Mist 8 and Aberlour a'bunadh.

[unclebunk]

I see Stu beat me to it. Great minds and all that......

The thirty is in no way close to what the old Laphroaig was, in fact it was a product never planned by Laphroaig. Years ago the distillery sold a number of casks to a private individual who had the contents transferred from the bourbon casks Laphroaig uses into sherry casks. Since Laphroaig didn't do sherry casking his plan was to sell this variant after aging it an appropriate amount of time. Well....he died and the casks sat in limbo for a few years while his heirs decided what to do with them and by this time they were about 27 years old. It was at this point Laphroaig decided to buy them back and offer them as an official release. Since that took a bit of time and a 30 yo release is more impressive than a 28 or 29 yo release Laphroaig held on to them until they reached 30 years. The thirty is unique in its own way and you may never see an old sherry casked Laphroaig again but it in no way resembles the bottlings from the 70's. What you want to buy is the new 25 yo for a glimpse into the past.

I'm inclined to skip the Laphroiag 30 now, as spending $100 for half a bottle is way beyond my budget, especially for something that probably won't knock me out. I think I'd rather spend a little extra and buy another bottle of Quarter Cask and a bottle of Cask Strength. That ought to hold me for a while!

[AVB]

Bushmills Millennium Malt. 24 yo Irish Single Malt made for the turn of the Millennium in 2000.

[Martian]

Ballantine's Finest. This is an excellent and inexpensive blend.

[Jono]

I opened up Black Bottle...my first...and found it a very nice, affordable Islay style blend. Thanks to those on this forum that have spoken highly of it...and White Horse and Famous Grouse.

http://www.blackbottle.com/home.html

When I poured it into the glass it appeared very light in color and I was wondering if it would have the Islay character as promised. I was not disappointed...it turned out to be a very respectable peaty smoke blend.

[Megawatt]

I opened up Black Bottle...my first...and found it a very nice, affordable Islay style blend. Thanks to those on this forum that have spoken highly of it...and White Horse and Famous Grouse.

http://www.blackbottle.com/home.html

When I poured it into the glass it appeared very light in color and I was wondering if it would have the Islay character as promised. I was not disappointed...it turned out to be a very respectable peaty smoke blend.

Just curious; why would light colour indicate anything about the peat level?

[Jono]

Light color in my experience is often associated with lighter taste, as with Irish and Canadian and some lowland or Speyside scotches...and since Black Bottle is a blend and the grain spirit component could have reduced the peat flavor elements (I fully expected peat coming from Islay malts) but it didn't. Looking at several clear bottle Scotches I see some differences in color...Highland Park 12 is darker with a slight orange/red cast, Scapa 12 similar, then Glenkinchie 10 a little less dark then Glengoyne 10 dark gold finally to Talisker 10 with a light golden color. Talisker of course is loaded with peat. Time in the barrel is clearly the main color factor. White Horse was in the middle and darker than Black Bottle.

So to your point, don't assume a light color equates with a thinner taste profile. I agree that the amount of peat element impact cannot be determined by the color alone.

Talisker - take away the peat flavor and the base whiskey is probably fairly light. Obviously a sherried scotch such as Macallan or Arberlour have darker color from the barrel.

Here is a good resource: http://www2.gol.com/users/jmackin/docs/Scotch.htm

[Megawatt]

Light color in my experience is often associated with lighter taste, as with Irish and Canadian and some lowland or Speyside scotches...and since Black Bottle is a blend and the grain spirit component could have reduced the peat flavor elements (I fully expected peat coming from Islay malts) but it didn't. Looking at several clear bottle Scotches I see some differences in color...Highland Park 12 is darker with a slight orange/red cast, Scapa 12 similar, then Glenkinchie 10 a little less dark then Glengoyne 10 dark gold finally to Talisker 10 with a light golden color. Talisker of course is loaded with peat. Time in the barrel is clearly the main color factor. White Horse was in the middle and darker than Black Bottle.

So to your point, don't assume a light color equates with a thinner taste profile. I agree that the amount of peat element impact cannot be determined by the color alone.

Talisker - take away the peat flavor and the base whiskey is probably fairly light. Obviously a sherried scotch such as Macallan or Arberlour have darker color from the barrel.

Here is a good resource: http://www2.gol.com/users/jmackin/docs/Scotch.htm

[JamesW]

Just cracked my Laphroaig Quarter Cask after having taken a long break from scotch...too long. The nose on this puppy brought me right back, just relaxed my shoulders and made me think "ahhh, yeah, that's what I miss". lIt has a light complexion with lots of peat and smoke and honeyed marshlands in the nose. The taste is fantastic, sweet around the edges, with a medium-long finish of peat & smoke, very true to its nose. Very, very pleasant. Love the 96 proof too, perfect balance.

Man I've really missed the Islays.

[TomH]

Attended a vertical tasting of Laphroaig this week. It was my first time to taste the 30 YO and it showed me a new dimension of complexity that reminded me what draws me to scotch. This is definitely my favorite Islay (no one ever accused me of having cheap tastes). I would have the say the 15 YO was my next favorite (I definitely prefered it to the 18YO) and for the $$ the best value of the night.

Tom

[JamesW]

Attended a vertical tasting of Laphroaig this week. It was my first time to taste the 30 YO and it showed me a new dimension of complexity that reminded me what draws me to scotch. This is definitely my favorite Islay (no one ever accused me of having cheap tastes). I would have the say the 15 YO was my next favorite (I definitely prefered it to the 18YO) and for the $$ the best value of the night.

Tom

Wish I was there. My Islay focus has generally been on Lagavulin, Bowmore, Ardberg and to a lesser degree Caol Ila. I've only samples this QC and the 10 year before. I really like this QC.

Right now I'm on to Bowmore 17. Very light and fruity by comparison to the LapQC. So much good whisky....

[JamesW]

Finishing the night with some Ardberg Uiegedail. Love the proof. Needs more peat after those others though.....

[Megawatt]

The Arran Malt St. Emilion finish. Surely one of the best I have tried. Luscious interplay of fruit, malt, and oak. Stunning from nose to finish.

[rmallen]

Tonight I had a craving for the taste of Islay...so, Ardbeg 10yo followed by Laphroaig Cask Strength. Really hit the spot!

[jsanford]

Currently enjoying Compass Boxs' the Peat Monster. Compass Box always has some neat innovations and I like the elegant smokiness of the Peat Monster. And it has a cool name/label lol!

[Lost Pollito]

The Arran Malt St. Emilion finish. Surely one of the best I have tried. Luscious interplay of fruit, malt, and oak. Stunning from nose to finish.

It'll be interesting to see Arran progress as there stocks age. I still favor there malt in bourbon wood, and would like to see some of these wine finishes disippate, as there stocks age. Who knows? Cheers to them for takin the bull by the horns, and producing some fine malt.:grin:

[Megawatt]

It'll be interesting to see Arran progress as there stocks age. I still favor there malt in bourbon wood, and would like to see some of these wine finishes disippate, as there stocks age. Who knows? Cheers to them for takin the bull by the horns, and producing some fine malt.:grin:

They have a 12-year-old out but it's not available here yet. The only Arran I've tried without a fancy finish was the Robert Burns malt. Despite only 5 years in the barrel that stuff was fantastic. Very fresh, lively, and sweet. I agree that their future standard bottlings should be very good indeed.

[Gillman]

Highland Park 18 years old. One of the best whiskies in the world, maybe the best. Super-complex yet silky with notes of peat (quite strong), salt, heather and caramel. Incredible product, and people who enjoy American whiskey owe it to themselves to try this at least once. But (if you do) before you say you do not like it, try to understand where it is coming from, how it is supposed to taste. If you still don't like it after, fine, but before deciding, it is good (I think) to know the coordinates of the style.

Gary

[unclebunk]

Highland Park 18 years old. One of the best whiskies in the world, maybe the best. Super-complex yet silky with notes of peat (quite strong), salt, heather and caramel. Incredible product, and people who enjoy American whiskey owe it to themselves to try this at least once. But (if you do) before you say you do not like it, try to understand where it is coming from, how it is supposed to taste. If you still don't like it after, fine, but before deciding, it is good (I think) to know the coordinates of the style.

Gary

[CorvallisCracker]

Highland Park 18 years old. One of the best whiskies in the world, maybe the best.

Yes, Paul Pacult also calls it the "best whisky in the world". Of course, you're both wrong because we all know that Bourbon is better than Scotch.:grin:

But it's definitely my favorite Scotch. It has a character that reminds me of a good cognac. Fabulous stuff.

Has anyone tried the 15yo? How does it compare? I can get the 18yo right here in River City, but would have to drive to Portland to get some of the 15. I'd have to be there for some other reason, because making the trip in the Monster Truck would more than eat up the $25 price difference (almost enough to pay for a bottle of EWSB).

[Megawatt]

Yes, Paul Pacult also calls it the "best whisky in the world". Of course, you're both wrong because we all know that Bourbon is better than Scotch.:grin:

But it's definitely my favorite Scotch. It has a character that reminds me of a good cognac. Fabulous stuff.

Has anyone tried the 15yo? How does it compare? I can get the 18yo right here in River City, but would have to drive to Portland to get some of the 15. I'd have to be there for some other reason, because making the trip in the Monster Truck would more than eat up the $25 price difference (almost enough to pay for a bottle of EWSB).

I found the 12 and 18 share more similarities and the 15 kind of stands on its own. Less peat influence, more sherry. But mind you I'm only comparing from memory, so take it for what it's worth.