Laphroaig knocked it out of the ballpark!
Going, going, gone....it's a "Home Run, baby!"
This is my second foray into Islay's (eye-luhs) single salts. Bunnahabhain 12 yr S.M. was my first; Laphroaig 10 (pronounced La-froyg) being my second is definitely an outstanding Libation! I give it 5 out of 5 stars, and it's truly indescribably delicious, but I will do my best to convey my appreciation of the Scotch Whisky.
Nose: Laphroaig smells medicinal at first blush, but blossoms into a bouquet of peat laced floral scents.
Palate: Liquid Smoke (which is a substance used in cooking to induce a hickory-based smoke flavor); some notes of Sherry, flavorings of charred wood from a smoky campfire sites, and a heaping muscular helping of peat (pow and boom). At the end of the day it's Smoke and Peat baby! It's definitely not for the uninitiated, or the "haters" , closed minded, or those unwilling to broaden their horizon's of libation exploration. If that's you, just say no or stay home and drink milk....ha ha ha.
Finish: A drink that's been barbequed on the grill, marinated in Liquid Smoke, and Smoked (on the grill) over smoldering wood chips saturated in Peat water. It's a "Forget Me Not" for sure friend. Enjoy!
History about me: I'm a Novice, went to a Scotch tasting for the first time last summer (2015) in Wash. D.C.; the varieties offered were Aberlour, Oban, Balvenie and Yamazki 12 yr. Single Malt (SM). The pours were in plastic containers (cups)...the overhead ceiling fans were on blowing down onto the crowd and the drinks, which in my opinion oxidized the scotches just setting out at the different tasting stations...but hands down for me was the Yamazki 12 yr. S.M.
My Recent M of M Purchases - Nikka W. from the Barrell (Japanese), Paul John W (Peated-Indian), Yamazaki Reserve (Japanese) and Nikka All Malt (Japanese). But since then, I've experienced Bunnahabhain 12 yr. S.M., Dalmore 12 yr. S.M., Laphroaig 10 yr. S.M., and Iwai (Japanese) all locally purchased from a place called "Kings Liquor Store" right here in Rosedale, Maryland, of the good ole' USA....all reasonably priced. If ever in the area, you've got to stop by there and check them out. I'm waiting to get my hands on some Ardbeg "Uigeadail" and some Lagavulin 16 yr. S.M. I may have to order that from MoM.
Rating - Of the four scotches I rec'd from MoM, Nikka fr. the Barrell was number one for me. However, my number two, was Paul John (Select Cask). It's simply to die for (but don't do it, live on and enjoy the scotch). The "nose" by far for me as a Novice, stood alone. When you first whiff the aroma, your olfactory glands and brain reverberate saying "Whoah, what is that"...oak, chemical, what? The aroma captivates and assaults your nose like a Muhammed Ali right hook coming at you from out of nowhere, prompting you to say, "Where'd the hell did that come from". But I do agree with the Chaps at M of M (MoM)...the nose is very earthy, not sure about the salt though. As for the palate, MoM is "spot on" BBQ Smoke" all the way. Relative to the Finish, there is something about the flavor, quite can't put my finger on it, that lingers on your tongue long after you've finished the dram, shot, snifter or whatever your choice of drinking glass is. Just do me a favor, "no plastic cups" please. Use an acceptable drinking glass and always drink responsibly.
Closing: After a few more trials of world famous scotches I'm going to have to stop referring to myself as a "Novice". Maybe I'll upgrade to "Journeyman". Bon appetite!
Julian Thomas Mar 26, 2016