In Gaelic, càirdeas means friendship, and while it comes out around the Islay Festival, it’s not technically part of it, rather it’s a Friends of Laphroaig release, and is thus produced in large numbers and is available off of the island as well.
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The Origin is Laphroaig’s 2012 edition, and I think it’s the best of them.
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Laphroaig Càirdeas Origin (51.2% ABV, NCF)
Appearance: Dark gold, thin and quick legs.
Nose: First on the nose is the smoke, but it has a sweetness to it. Orange, somewhat waxy – like an orange candle, roses and carnations, nutmeg. After time, light perfume, spices, and some vanilla.
Palate: Laphroaig with the classic smoke, a sweet layer of honey and a bitter citrus layer.
Linger: Smoky grapefruit, light ground pepper with some tartness on the side of the tongue.
Conclusion
Good stuff! This is so clearly Laphroaig, with the most delightful bitterness, and pretty close to the 10.
Origin indeed!
This is Yori’s favorite dram, and always one he’s happy to pour when you visit! Slainte!
All welcome for a dram – as Michael said.
This is composed of 50% a vatting made for the 2007 Cairdeas which was 13-18 years old at bottling after 5 years together and 50& 8yo QC.
This is how NAS should be made – combining combining the smokiness of QC with the subtle nuances of the older whisky.
Fun fact regarding the Cairdeas releases, Simon told me that the ABV is related to the release year, so the 2012 is 51.2%, the 2013 is 51.3%, the 2014 is 51.4% and the 2015 is 51.5%. Kind of cool.
I just got the 2015 and have had some, and it’s pretty good. But I suspect this 2012 is still better, I don’t recall having any of it though. I have an unopened 2011 waiting for the perfect opportunity.
Bob,
Don’t judge the range by the Ileach edition – each one is unique and has different charcteristics. The Ileach edition was fairly you. While it is Laphroaig and has many good qualities, it is far from the best of the range (IMHO – 12yo 2009, Masters edition 2010, Origin 2012 which is the best). Haven’t had the 2015 and the 2014 was better than 2013, which was interesting but didn’t completely connect.
Enjoy!
Yori