Laphroaig Lore 48%

From the distillery website

Created using techniques that have been passed down for generations, this single malt Scotch is made from some of the most precious whiskies in our Atlantic storehouse. Our master distillers select spirits from five different cask types, including ex-Bourbon barrels, 19th Century-style quarter casks and large Oloroso sherry butts. 

Aged anywhere from seven years to 21 years, each spirit brings its own element — and lore — to the blend.The result is the richest expression of our unforgettable peated whisky. Sparkling gold, this rich and smoky Scotch tastes of fall days by the ocean with hints of ash and bitter chocolate. A long, sweet finish and spicy chili tingle make this dram utterly unparalleled. Serve neat, or over ice.

• Complex blend of small-batch Scotch whisky, matured in five casks

• Rich, smoky taste with hints of dark chocolate and ocean air

• Crafted based on traditions passed down through generations

• Aged from 7 to 21 years for the richest possible Laphroaig flavour 

  

  Tasting Notes:

  Appearance: Deep gold, forms a thin line before beading and falling as slow, thin legs.

  Nose: Medicinal, slightly ashy, peat smoke with a little coastal saltiness. Vanilla and caramel fudge follow, together with baked apples filled with sultanas. Hints of tobacco, worn leather, mild citrus and freshly mown grass emerge with time in the glass.

  Palate: The first thing to notice is the oily viscosity which coats the mouth beautifully. Initially, light peppery spice intertwined with brown sugar sweetness, vanilla, citrus and a slightly floral note, but this is very much just the opening statement. It’s then quickly followed by a wave of rich, medicinal peat smoke, together with caramel, dark chocolate, tart green apple, stewed fruit with raisins and vanilla custard, coastal salinity, tobacco leaf, new leather and chilli heat. 

  A little water reduces the spiciness and brings out a pleasing creaminess, whilst highlighting the dried fruit, caramel toffee and chocolate notes along with the peat smoke.

  Finish: Medium to long in length, ashy, medicinal peat with hints of tobacco and caramel linger together with a little oaky astringency.

  Summary: Lore is a whisky that took me a few attempts to really get to grips with and appreciate, at first approach the chilli spice has a tendency to dominate the palate and mask a lot of the subtle nuances. For me, this is one of those whiskies that really needs time in the glass to open up and reduce that chilli heat a little before sampling. I also find the addition of a few drops of water worthwhile as it brings out more of the complexity.

  Given the time, it’s rich, complex and robust, in other words everything you could want from a Laphroaig. The range of casks used give it punch, and whilst the effect of the Oloroso casks is there, the notes are understated and add another layer of complexity. Whilst that typical medicinal peat is there, it’s not as pronounced as some of the other expressions, and tends more to dry, bonfire smoke.

  At around the £75 mark it’s not cheap for a no age statement whisky, but the quality is undoubtedly there. Whether it’s worth over double the price of the excellent Quarter Cask is questionable, but it’s certainly a whisky worth exploring.

  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.