Reviews

Laphroaig Cairdeas 2016

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Oh Laphroaig, how I love thee.

There’s something about that peaty punch in the face…

Since becoming a fan, every spring/summer I await the news of the new Laphroaig Cairdeas.  Each year’s expression is different.  It usually debuts at Feis Ile, Islay’s Music and Malt festival.  Last year’s release was really nice – a throwback to how Laphroaig was made many years ago.

The 2016 edition of Laphroaig Cairdeas is Madeira Cask finished.  Many fans remember the 2013 Cairdeas release, a port-finished whisky.  The excitement level remains high.  I love wine cask finished peaty whiskies.  The smoke and fruit combination just does it for me.

Distillery Manager John Campbell took “fully matured” Laphroaig aged in ex-bourbon casks and moved the whisky to Madeira seasoned casks.  There’s no age statement here, and no indication of how long the second maturation lasted.  Rumor has it this is 8-9 year old Laphroaig.  Doesn’t really matter, does it?  This release is bottled at 51.6% abv, or 103 proof.  It’s not for the faint of heart.  Let’s get to the tasting.

That Laphroaig “iodine” peat character is present in the nose, as one would expect.  It’s joined by ripe red fruit, toffee and black pepper.  At such a high proof, this whisky packs a little heat upon entry.  Past that is a balancing act of bright citrus (fresh tangerines), smoke, seaweed and herbs (think rosemary). The citrus cuts through the heavy smoke, giving it some welcome vibrancy.  The herbal notes sit right in the middle, along with toasted malt, cinnamon and light toffee.  The long finish leaves behind spiced orange and a bit of smoke.

Let’s put another mark in the “W” column with this release.  Campbell made a wise decision using Madeira casks for a second maturation.  The fortified wine beautifully integrates with the heavy Laphroaig distillery character.  I know some purists who don’t care for secondary maturation.  I urge them, and any curious readers, to try a glass.  This may be one to change their minds.  There is no word on the number of bottles in this release, but it’s limited.  A bottle will cost about $75.  Highly recommended!  8.5/10

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

Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey Review


I recently attended a Tullamore DEW dinner & tasting where I was afforded the chance to try several expressions of the Irish whiskey brand.  Now, I get to spend a little time with the core expression.  This is a triple distilled blend of pot still, malt and grain whiskies and bottled at 40% abv.

Tullamore DEW is probably Jameson’s biggest competition.  Jameson is the best selling Irish whiskey in the world.  Sales figures are one thing.  The whiskey inside the bottle is another, and that is what’s important.

The nose is a bit restrained, with rubbing alcohol, spiced pear and slightly sour Granny Smith Apple.  The palate carries a bit of that funky pot still character, along with some light brown sugar mingled with sweet & sour apples and an anise note.  The mouthfeel is a bit thin, which is due to the low abv.  The finish doesn’t last too long, and carries a touch of spiced fruit.

Tullamore DEW is easy-drinking.  Maybe a bit too easy.  While I prefer a whiskey with a higher proof, I understand I don’t represent most of the whiskey drinking public.  What I do notice is Tullamore DEW has just a tad more character than Jameson, and I prefer it slightly over Jameson.  If you’re new to Irish whiskey, I’d probably suggest you start here.  7/10

Thanks to Tullamore DEW’s PR agency for the sample.  As always, thoughts and opinions are my own.

Glenfarclas 105 Scotch Whisky Review


I love scotch.  Obviously.  But I mean I love all types of scotch, including peated, honeyed, fruity, smoky and everything in-between.  On the sherried side, one distillery stands out for me – Glenfarclas.  The Speyside distillery produces beautiful sherried malt, ranging from a young 8-year-old to their 40-year-old, an elder statesmen if there ever was one.

There’s one expression that stands out.  Glenfarclas 105.  It’s a cask strength version of their 10-year-old.  Coming in at a massive 60% abv, Glenfarclas 105 is a bold and delightful whisky.  The “105” in the name is a nod to the old British Proof system.  Under that system, 105 proof equaled 60% abv.

The nose is full of vibrancy and richness, with sherried malt, toffee, nutmeg and oak.  This is high proof whisky, so adding a little water helps bring out the fruity notes in the nose a bit more.  That high alcohol content also packs a punch in the flavor department.  Big notes of dry sherried fruit (raisins especially), clove, vanilla shine against a backdrop of rich, creamy toffee.  The long finish is leaves behind sweet and spicy notes, and becomes a touch dry after a while.

Glenfarclas 105 recently won double gold at the San Fransisco World Spirits Competition.  A well deserved award for a great whisky.  I had a chance to try the standard 10-year-old a while back, and while it has its place, Glenfarclas 105 is my preferred dram of the two.  At such a high proof, Glenfarclas 105 also holds its own against a mild-to-medium cigar.  You won’t regret picking up a bottle of this.  Recommended!  8.5/10

Thanks to Sazerac Company for the sample.  As always, thoughts and opinions are my own.