Laphroaig

**ASinclair** · 18th June 14, 04:16 PM

Originally Posted by DyerStraits

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. <snip>

Of all the peat monsters I've had so far, Ardbeg is my favorite!

**DyerStraits** · 18th June 14, 04:37 PM

Originally Posted by Manxstralian

That's fairly similar to how my lady describes it... I think it's personal taste at play here. My only advice is wait until you've finished the bottle, then see how you feel (obviously this may take a while). My first taste of Laphroaig was like a slap in the face (I distinctly remember it), but now I love the stuff!

Cheers,

Cameron

Acquired Tastes and Good Taste are often two sides of the same coin. My first sampling of Ardbeg was a slap in the face also--but, from a gorgeous, feisty, green-eyed, copper-haired beauty, in mock-angry response to a slightly fresh remark from me, and with whom I end up blissfully spending the rest of my life.

**Scout** · 18th June 14, 05:10 PM

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** · 18th June 14, 05:26 PM

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** · 18th June 14, 06:05 PM

Originally Posted by ASinclair

Of all the peat monsters I've had so far, Ardbeg is my favorite!

Me too. The only one I haven't tried (yet) is Bruichladdich. I Just bought a bottle of Ardbeg 10 to celebrate leaving my job. Went to the same store a few days later to buy beer (Summer's getting off to a boozy start), and there's a smart, pretty young pixie distributing samples of Ardbeg Uigeadail. Wow! Not as smoky or peaty, but smoother, richer, fruitier and more cognac-y. Next time, I'm suppressing my Cheap Bastard Gene and spending the extra twenty dollars.....

**DyerStraits** · 18th June 14, 06:07 PM

Originally Posted by 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!

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

**Domehead** · 18th June 14, 07:49 PM

You guys are awesome. I find myself migrating toward these Whisky threads more often.
At the risk of wading to the deep end of the pool...

Perhaps it is the weather. We know that engagement of the other senses has significant bearing on taste experience.

Personally, I indulge Islay Malts only in the Fall & Winter, specifically for the "fireplace, burning-tire" aroma. My other senses and subsequent images evoked set the stage for my pallet (like I know exactly what I'm tasting).

Author Robert Creamer tells of his Military experience and the smell of a cigar whisking him back to Ebbett's Field. It is almost involuntary.

I notice the OP is from North Carolina. Although experienced with Peat Malts, perhaps, at a subconscious level, the warmer weather is messing with perception from his pallet?

I don't know.

Ryan

**ASinclair** · 18th June 14, 08:29 PM

Ryan, I'm also in North Carolina (USA) and it is quite warm now (the overnight low yesterday was 70*F) and I still like the peat monsters, so I think it is a matter of taste. However, your point about cold weather is well taken. When I think about it, I had Laphroaig at the afters party that followed our St. Andrews Day Scottish Country dance ball last November, and it was especially good. I received a bottle of Ardbeg as a Christmas present last December, and it was especially good. So the fiery peat monsters are particularly suited to warming one on a cold winter's night.

**DyerStraits** · 18th June 14, 08:46 PM

Originally Posted by ASinclair

Ryan, I'm also in North Carolina (USA) and it is quite warm now (the overnight low yesterday was 70*F) and I still like the peat monsters, so I think it is a matter of taste. However, your point about cold weather is well taken. When I think about it, I had Laphroaig at the afters party that followed our St. Andrews Day Scottish Country dance ball last November, and it was especially good. I received a bottle of Ardbeg as a Christmas present last December, and it was especially good. So the fiery peat monsters are particularly suited to warming one on a cold winter's night.

I fully agree, my recent ("recent", as in "earlier today") Ardbeg indulgence notwithstanding: the Islay Malts are best on a blustery day--when the Autumn tree foliage is peaking or there's a little blowing snow in the air--sitting near a crackling fire wearing a (Made In Scotland) cashmere pullover or bit o' Harris Tweed (or both). In my part of the world, it's not Summer until I switch from Old Spice to Skin Bracer, and from Malt Whisky to Vodka....

A good warm warm weather alternative are the Lowland Malts, which are light-bodied and tend to have pronounced grassy, herbal, mineral notes. I'll be looking for those at the Whisky Tent at our local Highland Games and Scottish Fest this weekend.

**Just Hugh** · 18th June 14, 09:06 PM

I was going to say, "Try Ardbeg." (To experience the truely peaty). That's where I started with Scotch and everything since seems so smooth. Also, you can add some water and still be considered a legitimate Scotch drinker. It affects the flavor in a way that's chemically more complicated than just diluting it. (That's as far as my knowledge of that goes.)

Folks will disagree on the water part, but it might be worth a try before you give it away. Some say it "opens up" the Scotch.