Distilled on the remote island of Islay off the West coast of Scotland, Laphroaig is the most richly flavoured of all Scotch whiskies.
Laphroaig (La-froyg) single malt Scotch whisky has always kept itself a bit remote, like the islanders of Islay themselves. A touch aloof at first, but make the effort, broach acquaintance, and you'll have a warm and genuine friend for life.
Take it neat like a stalwart, or with a splash of soft water. Roll it around on your tongue. Release the pungent, earthy aroma of blue peat smoke, the sweet nuttiness of barley, the delicate, heathery perfume of Islay's streams. Close your eyes, and imagine the waves lapping Laphroaig, ''the beautiful hollow by the broad bay.
Nose: Opens on big, smoky muscular peat notes. There are spices, and liquorice, as well as a big dose of salt. Over recent years this whisky has become slightly sweeter and beautiful on the nose.
Palate: Seaweed-led, with a hint of vanilla ice cream.The oak is big, and muscles its way into the fore as you hold this whisky over your tongue. An upsurge of spices develop – cardamom/black pepper/chilli.
Finish: Big and drying, as the savoury, tarry notes build up with an iodine complexity.