Laphroaig Quarter Cask Islay Scotch Whisky – 94 Points

Laphroaig is the ultimate love it or hate it style of Single Malt Scotch Whisky. The distillery is located on the southern coast of Islay, close to Port Ellen, Lagavulin and Ardbeg, and it is hard to argue that this stretch of coastline is not home to Islay’s best. But no other Single Malt reeks of smoke and iodine quite like Laphroaig, which celebrated its 200th year in 2015.

While there is no age statement on the Quarter Cask you can be sure that it has a good dose of well-aged Scotch in the blend. And it also uses an old technique to make this the most user-friendly of the Laphroaig collection – aging in traditional and much smaller Quarter Cask Bourbon barrels to add more spice and vanilla to its profile.

It is a strongly peated style but it is what lies underneath that makes this a superb Scotch – layers of seaweed and seaspray that drives its bright, fresh and malty style. The smoke is strong but beautifully intertwined with spicy wood and it lingers well after the last drop is gone. A great Scotch that is hard to track down but is well worth it.