Laphroaig is a malt one either loves or hates. There’s no in-between. With releases like their annual Cairdeas offering, it’s a great time to be a Laphroaig fan.

This year’s Cairdeas offering was matured in first-fill ex-bourbon casks followed by a secondary maturation in fino sherry casks. The resulting whisky is bottled at 51.8% abv. Suggested retail pricing is $79.99.

The nose is vibrant and pungent, with hints of macerated fruit, earthy peat, vanilla, and nuts. On the palate, layers of peat smoke are met with dried fruit, almonds, seaweed, creamy vanilla, and a touch of oak. The finish is semisweet with more of that lovely Laphroaig peat smoke.

Another year, another interesting Cairdeas release from Laphroaig. While it’s not going to convert peat naysayers, Cairdeas Fino Cask Finish should satisfy Laphroaig fans. Me? I like it. 8/10

Thanks to Laphroaig for the sample. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.