Laphroaig Quarter Cask Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70 cl 48%

Laphroaig Quarter Cask Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 70 cl 48%

Laphroaig Quarter Cask showcases a vibrant, golden color with a sparkling effect. This Scotch whisky offers an intense aroma of glowing peat, accompanied by subtle hints of coconut and banana. The taste experience is both deep and complex, characterized by smoky elements and a touch of sweetness. The finish is long-lasting and harmonious with a well-balanced mix of spices and sweetness. Laphroaig Quarter Cask is inspired by the small casks used for transporting Scotch whisky in the 19th century, when they were carried by workhorses across Scotland.

Distillery: Laphroaig
Age: NA
Type: Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
ABV: 48%
70 cl
Other: Medicinal, seaweed & tar

Laphroaig Quarter Cask has a sparkling, golden color. The aromas are dominated by glowing peat with hints of coconut and banana notes. The palette is deep and complex with smoky notes with hints of sweetness. The finish is long with a nice balance of spice and sweetness.Laphroaig Quarter Cask takes its inspiration from the small casks that were often used for Scotch whisky in the 19th century, as they were transported across Scotland by workhorses.

Throughout the 20th century, as the industry grew, so did the use of larger and more cost-effective larger barrels. But as single malt drinkers know, the ratio of barrel sizes can also have an impact on the flavour of the whisky. At Laphroaig's distillery, they noticed that small barrels (quarter cask) had up to 30% more contact with the barrels compared to some of the larger barrels used today, meaning that smaller barrels intensify the maturation process. Laphroaig decided to recreate the quarter cask in production. To do this, Laphroaig carefully filtered the whisky so that all the best particles remain in the whisky.Laphroaig Quarter Cask takes its inspiration from the small casks often used for Scotch Whisky in the 19th century and frequently transported across the Glens by packhorse. As the industry grew, they fell into disuse - bigger and more cost effective barrels became the norm, for maturation and transportation.

However as single malt lovers may know, the relationship between the barrels and the maturing spirit is critical. We noted that the small cask size gives up to 30% greater contact with the wood compared to some of the larger sizes used today, thus greatly intensifying the maturation process. It was decided to recreate some of the Quarter Casks and the flavours they produce. We transferred some still maturing Laphroaig from our larger style barrels into the Quarter Casks. There then followed a further periods of maturation in our original Dunnage Warehouse No1. For greater authenticity we simply barrier filtered the whisky - the method used in those far off days - and bottled at a higher alcoholic strength.The result surprised and delighted us. The additional oak influence creates a soft sweetness and velvety feel when first tasted, then the intense peatiness so unique to Laphroaig, comes bursting through. The finish is very long and alternates between the sweetness and the peat.

Tasting notes from www.whiskyflasken.dk:

Nose: Lots of smoke, which is almost a given. It smells of seaweed, tar and it's medicinal in smell. It's also a little salty and I can sense some caramel and honey underneath all the smoke. Some green apples. The smoke feels somehow moist, like when you burn wet wood. With a few drops of water, there's a bit of banana and it gets fruitier overall.

The taste: Very sweet at first with apples, pears and caramel. It is very oily and full-bodied. Plenty of cask and some vanilla comes through. It takes a while for the smoke to appear, but when it finally does, I promise it's there. The grill is started and then it's barbecue while we smoke a big cigar. The smoke starts in the middle of the palette and continues all the way to the end. The water dampens everything and the smoke, along with the last part of the palette, becomes drier.

Aftertaste: Long and smoky aftertaste, with wet tobacco, lots of cask, vanilla and a little malt sweetness. Not as smoky as you might think though. Again, it is drier with water.

Rating: 85/100