Mid teen Laphroaig expressions are very promising. Both the old 15 year old and the bincentennary Laphroaig 16 year old were excellent. Re-reading that Laphroaig 16 review, it seems a bit naive given current prices in the market, but that’s an aside.
We’re now offered a new Laphroaig 16, fully matured in first fill ex bourbon casks.
Laphroaig 16 – 2019 Edition, 5400 Bottles (48% ABV, NCF, NC)
Appearance: Light gold, viscous and very slow legs.
Nose: What a lovely Laphroaig-y nose. Sweet smoke over sea weed and iodine. Honey, with a surprisingly mild peatiness. Vanilla with a touch of burnt rubber and some fruit developing further on in the glass.
Palate: Honey, smoke with a hint of brine. Freshly ground pepper and some fresh fruity notes, with a medicinal tarriness.
Linger: Smoky vanilla custard, white pepper, and a dry light sourness. The long dryness is lovely, and the spice is very gentle and extends all the way down the gullet.
Conclusion
This expression hits the place right up there with the Quarter Cask and the wonderful Triple Wood. This is a classic Laphroaig, taking me to Islay on a cold windswept night.