Review by: Whiskery Turnip
Distillery: Laphroaig.
Bottler: Vintage Malt Whisky Co. “The Cooper’s Choice.”
Region: Scotland/Islay Single Malt.
ABV: 46%.
Age: 8 Years. Distilled in 2006. Bottled in 2014.
Cask type: Sherry Butt.
Nose: Fruit-scented antiseptic cleaning solutions, rusted corrugated iron and grill grates provided a metallic edge to maritime brine, burning beachgrass, and menthol with hints of fruit popsicles.
Palate: Light-bodied with crisp maritime brine, acrid burning beach debris, hot asphalt, and salted plums; dried grass with more subtle metallic iron lingered with driftwood and a kiss of citrus.
Finish: Medium-length and slightly drying with an herbal-grassy quality and subtle brine.
Mental Image: Abandoned Seaside Amusement Park.
Conclusion: Not the kind of whisky that blows socks off, but it made for a lovely sipper, especially during a spell of cold and rain. Considering the sherry maturation, I was a bit surprised not to find more fruit on the palate. Even the aroma it was relatively subtle, with the sherry influence typically more coming through as if I were nosing an experimental grape-scented industrial cleaning agent. Trust me, let’s stick to the fresh, clean smell of citrus for our antiseptics.
Overall, pleasant and easy to drink— the lower abv left the mouthfeel a touch light, but the flavors were crisp and clear. The result was something like the teddy bear version of Laphroaig— soft and cuddly, not likely to maul you.
Final Score: 78.
Scoring Legend:
- 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
- 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
- 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
- 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
- 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
- 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
- 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
- 50-59: Save it for mixing.
- 0-49: Blech.
Malt Runners 