Mon 1 May 2006
Every now and again a man has a chance to get his hands on a rare delight that he just can’t pass up. With only 910 bottles made, this Laphroaig 31 year old single islay malt is certainly one of them. I had the exceptional pleasure of obtaining bottle number 599 several weeks ago and could barely wait to write this review.
The whisky is very dark with a copper colored hue that hints at a very unctuous single malt about to be revealed. On this one, it is the Oloroso sherry wood used in aging that contributes to the main notes on the nose. It is quite full but delicate. Notes of citrus fruit, especially orange, can be discerned initially with hints of red fruit along a wonderful sherry and peat overtone.
The palate is full, velvety and viscous; it definitely wants to make a statement. Take the time to enjoy the notes of ripe tropical fruit and citrus zest with an ample dose of smoke and spices. The Oloroso sherry gives this islay malt a real backbone. A long and persistent earthy finish is present as expected.
I made sure to get a Partagas Serie D No.1 Edicion Limitada 2004 to accompany this momentous occasion.
May 19th, 2006 at 6:24 pm
Great review of a fantastic Scotch whisky!
I must say that I enjoy the Laphroaig 10 year old to any of the older Laphroaig whiskeys. Obviously this is just personal preference (just like any individual preferring one cigar over another), but the wildness in aroma and flavor the 10 year old possesses seems to mellow in the older Laphroaig siblings. Not that this is completely bad, the Laphroaig 15, 30 and 40 year olds are all great. It is just that the fullness of flavor found in the 10 year old is absolutely enchanting to my palate.