Laphroaig The Whisky.dk Series - Review from Whiskymalten.dk
A Laphroaig from independent bottlers is not something you see very often on the market as you usually want to protect the brand Laphroaig. However, the two whisky dealers from Sjølund Henrik Olsen and Ulrik Bertelsen have managed to make not just one but two unique Laphroaig bottlings for their own series of whisky, The Whisky.dk series. In this first review for FOL Denmark, we will taste and evaluate
Laphroaig 2001/2010 9 years and Laphroaig 2000/2010 10 years.
Looking at the bottles, there are two things in particular that stand out for a Laphroaig lover. They are both bottled at 46% and caramel is NOT used to give it the classic golden color found in virtually all Laphroaig bottlings with some exceptions. Yes, okay, 46% is still a dilution of the whisky, but it is still 6% more than what Laphroaig themselves offer their customers, definitely a huge plus from here.
Laphroaig 2001/2010 9 years
If you carefully bring the glass up to your nose, you are greeted with a familiar scent of peat, iodine and fruits. What's more interesting is when the noble drops slowly spoil both palate and tongue while it quickly kicks in with the impressive 46%.
There are not so many of the familiar flavor notes that you know from a classic Laphroaig 10 year, yet it gives enough taste of seaweed, iodine and peat that you have no doubt that you are drinking a Laphroaig. Peat is not so much, however, it has not been the hallmark of Laphroaig as there are whiskies on Islay with much more pronounced smoke.
Laphroaig The 9 year old settles quickly on the palate and after a short time it appears dry. It is not one of those whiskies that stays with you for a long time and I would dare to say that before the first dram has hit the bottom, you are ready for taste number two. So 70 cl quickly becomes a bit of a challenge if you want to get rid of the slightly peculiar dryness that occurs when the glass is empty.
If, on the other hand, you take Laphroaig 10 years 2000/2010, you still cheer about the great 46% that is offered and when it also hits the palate, you know that it is Laphroaig that is offered. Here, however, we are talking about basically the same classic taste of a 10 year old just added the great 46% and then in natural color.
The scent seems a bit more boozy and you're a little unsure if it's actually from Laphroaig that the whisky comes from or if it's mixed with leftovers from Big Peat's blends. Fortunately, scent and taste are usually slightly different, so without having to spend an entire evening with your nose in the whisky and just smell it, it has to be consumed through the palate and this is where it comes into its own.
The dryness that the 9 year old offers is simply not present in the 10 year old and the last year seems like it's well spent. The taste here is most reminiscent of a Laphroaig Select without being bad in any way.
Conclusion
Is there value for money in these two bottlings from the The Whisky series? Immediately, I would say yes. 46% unchillfiltered natural color....what's not to like as they say.
If you want to splurge on a nice green bottle or dare to surrender to The Whisky Series, I would definitely recommend giving it a shot. At a price of 549 and 699, it is a supplement to a good evening in the company of Laphroaig.
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