Laphroaig Càirdeas Triple Wood Cask Strength 59.5%
From the distillery website
Càirdeas means ‘friendship’ in Gaelic and, each year, a limited-edition bottling is crafted by distillery manager and fifth generation Islay native, John Campbell, available exclusively to Friends of Laphroaig.
The Càirdeas Triple Wood Cask Strength is a special triple maturation, first matured in ex-bourbon barrels, then in quarter casks and finally in European oak casks which previously held oloroso sherry. It is then barrier filtered and bottled at cask strength to create a punchy dram with Laphroaig’s signature richness of flavour and smoky taste. We recommend you add twice as much water as whisky to enjoy this punchy dram.
Appearance: Copper/gold, forms a thin line before beads eventually fall as slow, thin legs.
Nose: Peat smoke, but less medicinal than you would normally expect from a Laphroaig, vanilla, baked apples with brown sugar and a noticeable oak influence.
Palate: You’re greeted by an enormous burst of ashy peat smoke, the Oloroso finish brings in dark fruit, sweetness from baked apples and vanilla custard, toasted almonds, a little citrus, and a hint of worn leather develops alongside a little pepper spice on the tip of the tongue. Addition of a few drops of water adds elements of crème caramel, butter toffee and milk chocolate.
Finish: Long, bonfire smoke in abundance, sweet caramel, worn leather, oak brings a slight bitter astringency, and a gradual build up of chilli heat. A little water reduces the tannic oak and brings through hints of coastal salinity.
Summary: It’s big, it’s bold, it’s rich and it’s punchy, most of the things you look for in a Laphroaig. However, whilst the smoke is still there, that signature medicinal element has been dialled down, and whilst it doesn’t spoil the experience it does feel less Laphroaig-like than expected.
This is a whisky which really appreciates the addition of water, opening up beautifully to reveal and adding more creaminess to the mouthfeel. The recommendation is that you add twice as much water as whisky, but my own preference was closer to the opposite way round.
Overall, it’s a huge step up from the standard Triple Wood expression, and surprisingly for a 2019 release it's also still available on the Laphroaig website for a little under £90. If you enjoy heavily peated whisky then this is well worth seeking out, just don’t expect the full-on Laphroaig experience.
If you would like more information on this whisky, the distillery or any of the other Laphroaig whiskies, follow the link to the company website.
