Expensive single malt scotch isn’t for everyone, but when you’re shopping at a price-point of over $100 Canadian, it’s important to get the right expensive single malt scotch.
Read MoreSecret Spirits asked me if I’d like to participate with their advent calendar this year. I don’t know why, but previous years I haven’t even shown an interest in advent whisky calendars, and this year I’m all about them.
Read MoreLet's be honest. The scotch industry is making fools of us with special cask finishes. While sherry cask finishes weren't new five years ago, they've sprouted up like dandelions. Then came the wine finishes, which were never all that successful, but plentiful. Oloroso Sherry became a statement of the quality sherry finishes. Port finishes? Oh, yes! There are plenty of port finishes.
Read MoreLaphroaig is deserving of the scotch cult following. Some hate Laphroaig, some like Laphroaig on occasion, and others love Laphroaig whisky. For those in the latter category, this cask strength variation of Laphroaig 10 is for you.
Read MoreLaphroaig's An Cuan Mor release is a traditional new-age scotch whisky. The scotch is first matured in first-fill American oak in the Laphroaig warehouse against the Atlantic Ocean, then transferred to European oak and let to mature for a while longer.
Read MoreLaphroaig Lore is offers an unapologetic rush of flavors from a complex mixture of matured whisky. On paper, I would have called the concept behind this whisky a gimmick, but in tasting, the results are worthy of the ticket price.
Read MoreLaphroaig 18 is a favourite of mine. It wasn’t long ago that you could find this release for around $75 in the United States. At that price point, it’s an insanely great buy, and quite frankly we’ll likely not ever see it sold so cheaply. While the product is largely discontinued, you might still find supplies of it in 2016 before it’s officially gone.
Read MoreThis week on The Whisky Topic, Jamie and I talk about scotch. Undoubtably, the discussion leads to no-age statement whisky and the current state of whisky from Scotland.
When I wrote about this topic originally, I noted that it’s not just about age-statements. It’s about the quality of the barrels used. Just yesterday, Oliver Klimek wrote about how Laphroaig 10 has changed over the years. Stylistically speaking, I’ve always been a far bigger fan of the Laphroaig Quarter Cask and the 18 over the 10. The 10 has always been a touch too mild, and while that can be good, it’s not really the type of drink I want from Laphroaig.
But this brings us back to the point that age-statements are such a small part of the picture when it comes to good whisky. First-fill, second-fill, third-fill, fourth-fill. These aspects of barrel maturation matter far more. That’s not to say all good scotch is made in first-filled barrels. It’s not. It does, however, mean that quality of the barrels matters far more than how long the whisky has been sitting around in those barrels.
The problem with no-age statement whisky isn't the lack of age statement (though that is a part of it). It's an issue of trust and credibility. For the distilleries that are selling NAS whisky, it's an issue they're going to need to address.
Ultimately, it’s about palate and flavour. Check-out the podcast for a deeper explanation. Meanwhile, I’m going to see if I can find myself a Laphroaig 18. It’s an incredible drink!
My summary of the Laphroaig line-up for Spotlight Toronto:
Each time I have sampled the line of Laphroaig whisky, I leave with the same conclusion—The Quarter Cask is wildly brilliant for the price-point, and the 18 Year Old is complex and hard hitting with flavour.
Check out the rest.
An ounce of just-poured Laphroaig Quarter Cask sits beside me as I write this, and already the smokiness wafts upwards. This is a Scotch for a more advanced drinker for a few reasons; but only because of its heavy peat and blasting character.
Once you check the aroma a few times the smokiness will fade as you become accustomed to it, and you’ll certainly pick up the stronger alcohol content. The nose has been described as earthy, salty, and there’s definitely very little sweetness to it. You know you’re in for a ride before even taking the first taste.
The strength of the scent is deceptive, although the alcohol is definitely apparent. I believe the proper term for this type of whisky would be ‘warm’ and it certainly will warm you up almost immediately. With each sip the complexity increases as the flavours mellow, and sweeter, earthier qualities begin to emerge.
The quarter cask Scotch is produced in casks that are quarter the size of the standard, which allows the oak to really come through. If you like oaky wines or Scotches, you will likely appreciate this one. Although the Scotch is aged well under 10 years, the smaller cask size allows for more surface contact with the cask. So while it is not aged as long, it will have the oak flavour consistent with an older Scotch with less alcohol evaporating (alcohol evaporates as whisky ages in barrels).
Laphroaig is a major producer of Scotch with a history going back to the 1800s. They have several offerings in the LCBO ranging from the $60 range (as is this one) to the $600+ range for their 25 year old single malt. The 10 year old Laphroaig Scotch is the best selling smoky Scotch in the world, and also a good purchase. I’ve yet to try the 18 year old Scotch, but it’s definitely on my list of drinks to have.
Note: Originally published on Spotlight Toronto
