Laphroaig

[MacKenzie]

I'm not a Whisky expert.

I enjoy trying the different single malts from around the country. I've tried Bowmore, Speyburn, Dalwhinnie, The Glenlivet, Glenmorangie and The Dalmore to name a few. They all have their own way about them, of course. Some I prefer over others, but none have been bad, just different.

I'd never tried Laphroaig so last week I procured a bottle if their Quarter Cask. Back at the castle I poured two fingers in a glass and had a nose. I thought, "That's... different. Strong. I've seen 'smells of burning tires' used to describe some whiskies, but I've never experienced it. Perhaps this is it."

I had a taste. That has to be one of the most awful things I have ever tasted. Burning tires would have been preferable. The best I can come up with is, "Dirty, wet socks that have been laying on the floor in a dark closet for a month."

All over the interwebs, including here, praises are sung of Laphroaig's QC. Do you suppose I got a bad bottle? A bad barrel perhaps?

[Nathan]

Everyone's taste buds are different but I'm quite fond of the Laphroaig Quarter Cask. I'm no expert either, but am a bit of a hobbyist/student.

I wouldn't describe it as burning tires but this is how I'd describe it...

I'd say it has a sort of buttery, nutty nose with a hint of peat and sweetness. That sweetness is very apparent when I take a sip, but so is the bite. It has the signature peaty flavour one would expect from an Islay malt although it isn't as strong as longer matured whisky. The finish lingers but not too long and is almost fruity.

It's quite a pleasant dram and I've been pleased to be gifted with a few of bottles of it over the years.

Perhaps you did get a bad bottle or a counterfeit?

[ASinclair]

<snip>
I had a taste. That has to be one of the most awful things I have ever tasted. Burning tires would have been preferable. The best I can come up with is, "Dirty, wet socks that have been laying on the floor in a dark closet for a month."

All over the interwebs, including here, praises are sung of Laphroaig's QC. Do you suppose I got a bad bottle? A bad barrel perhaps?

Sounds like you got a good bottle. I love the peat monsters, but it is something of an acquired taste.

[Nathan]

Upon rereading his post, you may be right, Allen - that might be the peat he's tasting!

Although on the other hand...

MacKenzie, if you enjoyed Bowmore, surely you'd be familiar with a heavy peaty flavour?!

[MacKenzie]

I'd say it has a sort of buttery, nutty nose with a hint of peat and sweetness. That sweetness is very apparent when I take a sip, but so is the bite. It has the signature peaty flavour one would expect from an Islay malt although it isn't as strong as longer matured whisky. The finish lingers but not too long and is almost fruity.

Nothing whatsoever sweet about it. I'd call the finish bitter.

I love the peat monsters, but it is something of an acquired taste.

I love the peatier ones myself. But this... I can't see me acquiring a taste for this.

I suppose I'll keep an eye out for some at a public establishment where I can get a dram for comparison.

[DyerStraits]

Sounds like you got a good bottle. I love the peat monsters, but it is something of an acquired taste.

Spot on, Allen. It's an Islay Malt--extra peat, more pronounced brine and heavy phenolic properties are their trade-mark--and the only Islay Malt that's peatier, brinier and more phenolic is Ardbeg. They're the IPAs of whisky--you either totally love 'em or totally hate 'em. The actor-comedian Nick Offerman apparently has a running bit about his endless attempts to purchase a house near the Lagavulin distillery. And when my girlfriend and I have a spat (and she sooner or later realises she was wrong), she gives me Islay Malt as a make-up gift. That's how much of a Peat Freak I am.

[ctbuchanan]

I often describe the Islay malts as licking the inside of your chimney. They are an acquired taste. Did you cut it a bit with water? That can often make the difference. Although one review I read described drinking it as " a slap in the face ", so clearly not for everyone. Luckily for all of us there are many alternatives to choose from. Now, then, if you are not going to finish that bottle..........

[Scout]

Well it's a shame you're not closer or I would be happy to take the remainder off your hands! Laphroaig Quarter Cask and their Triple Wood are two of my absolute favorites!

[S Mitchell]

I've never had the quarter cask but the first time I ordered Laphroaig, the bartender gave me 18 year because I hadn't specified. I didn't even think about how old it was/wasn't. But I really enjoyed it. It was complex with a very sweet nose. The next time I was out, I ordered Laphroaig again (different bartender) and he asked if I wanted the 10 year or the 18. I went for the 10 year and was a little disappointed. I found it more bitter and briny.

Of course, I still drank it!

[DyerStraits]

Well it's a shame you're not closer or I would be happy to take the remainder off your hands! Laphroaig Quarter Cask and their Triple Wood are two of my absolute favorites!

Perhaps an ongoing XMTS Discarded Whisky Rescue/Adoption programme is in order......