Released in 2004, this bottling was aged for around five years before being finished in a quarter cask for several months, the size of the cask is quite small, thus does not require such a long maturation. This remains a truly great achievement from Laphroaig.
Oily and buttery nose, with toffee, nuttiness, hickory, bicarbonate of soda, rum and raisin ice cream and zest.
Big rush of sweetness, in fact it’s an explosion of sweetness, with fiery chilli heat, TCP, sweet cereals and a touch of cola syrup.
Medium-length, but becomes fruity, with custard and cigar smoke.
Surprise! I was given this by my better half on her return from shopping across the border in the US. I was expecting something nasty when I looked it up & saw how immature it was. Well I got much more than I expected. It would appear the quarter cask was the right approach. A mate introduced me to Islay single malts & this is the tastiest that I have tried. I agree with the Oct 3rd comments. It is Scotch to be savoured not tipped through the night. Well done.
I mainly drink the great whiskies that come from the Kilchoman distillery on Islay. As a fan of smoke and peat they really do it for me. However, I came across this fine bottle of Laphroaig Quarter Cask. It is up there with the best from Kilchoman and Ardbeg! Enjoy it :)
Absolutely unique taste. Don't have dessert, have a dram of quarter cask. But, only one at a sitting (my opinion) This scotch is so rich, and sweet and downright satisfying that you'll be tempted to tip the bottle a few more times. I recommend one generous dram to be sipped and savored and the bottle put aside for another time. This is not a scotch to get bleary eyed on. That would be such a waste! A superb, whisky that's in a class all it's own. Close to Ardbeg Corryvecken but without the bite of the alcohol. I love it!
Smoky and oh so oaky. Compared to Laphroaig 10 year, this Quarter Cask version is a much sharper version in terms of flavor and aroma. Due to it being younger and interacting with the oak barrel in its maturation, it wears its flavors much more boldly. The aroma is still the quintessential pungent peat reminiscent of Islay scotch, but the flavor reveals much more; a sharper bite, a lingering spice, and it finishes somewhat sweet. Not for the faint of heart.
Just bought a bottle yesterday and I could not wait to open it and have a taste. I'ts great! I love the perfect mix of peat, smoke and sweetness. Had a bottle of Lagavulin 16 years that I also loved. I find Laphroaig has a less intense peat and smoke and more sweetness. Both are amazing whiskys. If you find Lagavulin too intense, try this one!
