When you say single cask, you thing about the Scotch Malt Whisky Society, and having recently crossed the 160 Laphroaig cask mark (no, this isn’t the most bottled distillery, that distinction is easily Bowmore’s and Caol Ila, with close to 250 casks each).
Photo Credit: nippysweetiewhiskies.com.au
Laphroaig spirit does very well in sherry casks, as the wonderful PX Cask expression illustrates, yet the PX Cask is only a finish. In sherry cask maturation, the Laphroaig new make usually matures into a lovely medley of medicinal smoked meats and sweet sherry notes.
But not this cask! No Sirree….
This cask picked up a sour-earthy-medicinal nose, suggesting perhaps not a PX cask? Either way, this expression is lovely.
Photo Credit: shop.smwsjapan.com
Laphroaig 17 Year Old – SMWS Cask 29.157, Refill Sherry Butt, Distillied 19.9.1996, Yield 675 Bottles (59.2% ABV, NCF, NC)
Appearance: Bronze, slow legs.
Nose: Tart sherry with mossy wet peat, honey, earthy and medicinal, wet sultana raisins and fresh citrus peel.
Palate: Light and almost bodyless with sweet sherry, wood spice, peat, light ash and sweet medicinal notes.
Linger: Spices in the back of the throat, sweetness on the tongue with dryness in the mouth, especially on the inner cheeks. The linger is very long with more sweetness.
Conclusion
This dram has one week point, and that’s it’s rather lacking in mouth feel, but as far as flavor and aromas go, this is a really great expression.