Laphroaig 30 Year Old Cairdeas

As previously stated above 'Cairdeas' in Scottish Gaelic means 'Friendship’, this therefore relates to the fact that this bottling was only available to purchase at the distillery itself or through the ‘Friends of Laphroaig’ website.

This rare Laphroaig has spent the majority of its life in a combination of European Oak Spanish Ex-Sherry Butts (60%), and American White Oak Ex-Bourbon Barrels (40%). The liquids from both of these casks is then carefully married together and decanted into American White Oak First Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrels from the Maker’s Mark Bourbon Distillery, allowing it to harmonise for the remained of its ageing process through being re-racked 

A WINNING EXPRESSION!

Colour:

Tones of antique old gold and bronzed copper are clearly attractive to the eyes gaze.

Nose:

The freshness on the nose is slightly more than one would otherwise expect for an Islay whisky of this kind and at such a great age as this is. Aromas shine through such as recently varnished mahogany wood, freshly sawn oak trees, homemade ginger ale, all the while Laphroaig’s character remains strongly in the background maintaining its structure throughout. Wafts of matured delicate peat smoke, maritime notes such as seashore rock pools, seashells, dry sandy beaches, and crisp salty sea breezes. Elements creep through such as creamy pralines, bergamot, fresh almonds, and fine sun dried vanilla pods. A supremely elegant nose.

Palate:

Absolutely delicious when sipping, with the just the right balance that makes a great old Laphroaig. Cough syrup, brine, kippers, smoked salmon, straight smoke, many herbal teas, mint and ripe passion fruits and mangos, black and green cardamon.

A finish of medium to long length, slightly more medicinal with an almost ashy/sooty peat smoke note.