Laphroaig 15 Years Review

Country: Scotland

Region: Islay

Brand: Laphroaig

Type: Single Malt Whisky 

Age: 15 Years

ABV: 43 %

Colour: Light Amber

Nose: Very Mellow when compared to the 10 years for instance. Not at all Aggressive. A pleasant combination of Sweet Peat, Sherry, Fruit (Pear, Apple, Pineapple, Banana), Oak, Grass, Tar, Charred Driftwood, Leather, Malt, Butter, Vanilla, Salt, Lemon and Spices. Hints of Sulphur, Iodine, Grapefruit and Tea. This whisky has some Island characteristics (Jura, Arran) but in a Blind Tasting Session I wouldn't have identified it easily as an Islay. I would suspect this Laphroaig matured in a combination of Ex-Bourbon Casks and Ex-Sherry Butts.

Palate: The Delivery is a bit Thin. Peat and Spices (Black Pepper and Nutmeg) are stronger than the Nose would suggest.I  also get some Iodine, Seaweed, Salt, Nuts, Oak, Lemon and hints of Sulphur, Mint-Chocolate and Sherry. Quite dry! 

Finish: I would have loved it to be longer. Dry, Briny but still Mellow with Sweet Peat, Chocolate, Smoke, light Spices and Licorice, Tar and Vanilla.

I added a bit of Water and the Peat on the Nose becomes Juicy. The Malt is clearer now and Vanilla, Fruit and Sherry work well together. But Palate and Finish do not accept Water very well.   

Rating: 86

Nose: 22 - Taste: 21.5 - Finish: 21  - Overall: 21.5

General Remarks: Laphroaig was founded in 1815 by Donald and Alexander Johnston. Nowadays the shares are hold by Beam Inc. It's located in Port Ellen and uses Water from the Kilbride Dam. The 15 years has been discontinued around 2010 and has been replaced by the 18 years. The 15 years is still for sale at an average price of around 150 US Dollars. But depending on where you live, this price could be higher.

Drinking Experience Neat: Good

Conclusion: Very nice experience. It doesn't smell and taste like your regular Laphroaig and it's not even easy to recognise it as an Islay whisky although you can certainly spot some Maritime tones. A Stranger in the Night but certainly a Single Malt that holds its own. The Nose is the best part. On the Palate it's not overly complex and the Finish is on the Short Side. It's also too expensive now as stocks are dwindling away. But back in 2009 or so it would set you back somewhere between 35 and 50 US Dollars and at that price I would have bought quite a few bottles. Unfortunately I was not yet into Whisky at the time. Isn't it a Pity as George Harrison would sing!

Jan van den Ende                                                                    July 23, 2013