Laphroaig PX Cask - 48%
From the Laphroaig website
Triple aged in ex-Bourbon barrels, quarter casks and Pedro Ximénez sherry butts. Discover PX Cask and its layers of flavour with fruity notes, ginger kick and signature smoky aroma.
Patience and harmony define this standout Islay single malt. Following our traditional distilling process carried down over generations, a triple maturation process lends a layered complexity and smooth texture to our Laphroaig® PX Cask. We peat-smoke malted barley before it’s distilled with water from the nearby Kilbride Stream, then aged in American ex-Bourbon barrels. The spirit is then transferred to 19th Century-style quarter casks, adding a velvety texture to the whisky. From here, the Scotch finishes in Pedro Ximénez sherry butts, where it draws rich character from the wood.
Appearance: Deep copper, forms a thin line which falls slowly as thick, oily legs
Nose: Phenolic peat, ashy smoke, California raisins, sultanas, lemon citrus, black liquorice, soft nuttiness and a touch of briny sea breeze
Palate: Slightly medicinal peat smoke, nutty oak, rich dried fruit, salted caramel sauce and a touch of warming ginger. A few drops of water brings creaminess to the mouthfeel, together with toasted almonds and a little more peat smoke
Finish: Long and lingering with mild astringency, booze soaked dried fruit gradually fades to leave black liquorice and soft phenolic peat smoke
Overall: It’s a very good, solid Laphroaig, not at the level of the PX Càirdeas from a few years ago but that’s hardly surprising and this still manages to please. As seems to be the case with Laphroaig these days, the peat isn’t as pronounced as it used to be but it gives a lovely backdrop for the sherry influence. Purchased as a travel retail, and great value for a litre bottle.
