Whisky Review – Laphroaig Distillery, Triple Wood
Laphroaig is one of my all time favourite distilleries. I am yet to try a whisky from them which I do not like. So when the other-half got me a sample of the Triple Wood expression I was very excited. With the clue in the name – there are three wood types used here, so it will be interesting to see if we can pick up on the individual influences in the dram.
Laphroaig Distillery …
Laphroaig was founded in 1815 by Donald and Alexander Johnston. Based on the island of Islay, it is steeped in a rich history. The brother’s initially started creating whisky from the surplus barley for cattle feed, although it hasn’t always been plain sailing.
As with many historical distilleries, Laphroaig has faced it’s fair share of issues, and unfortunately in 1954 the last remaining family member to own the distillery passed away. With this, the estate was bequeathed to Bessie Williamson to guard the family secrets. Forty years later, the distillery was awarded Royal Warrant from the Price of Wales, and more recently it celebrated it’s 200th anniversary!
Tasting Notes …
Laphroaig Distillery, Triple Wood – 48% ABV
Initially a release for the duty-free market, this has become a much loved Laphroaig expression. Starting life in Bourbon casks before being moved into quarter casks and eventually finished in Oloroso Sherry European oak casks – there should be a whole bunch of flavour packed into this dram! It can typically be purchased for less than £50, so it sits firmly in the middle of the Laphroaig price spectrum.
Nose: Makers Mark bourbon (toasty sweetness), butterscotch angel delight, dates, walnuts, lemon zest, buttery vanilla, tropical fruits, whisper of iodine
Palate: medicinal smoke, iced apple fruit cake, gingerbread, savoury spice
Finish: chewy oak, mustiness, dried fruit
WOW. This is an intense dram – definitely not one for the faint hearted. Personally, I don’t think this is an everyday sipper. Instead it feels like a great dram to share with friends during special occasions. I’m a big fan of the triple wood effect; adding notes of butterscotch, toast, fruits and baking spices.
Laphroaig is a distillery that splits opinions here at The Dram Duo, and it’s fair to say that Rach really isn’t a fan. However, that just means more for me. This is a very tasty expression, and I am particularly fond of the toasty butterscotch notes. I’m always on the lookout for other expressions from Laphroaig, so let me know in the comments below what your favourite whisky is from this distillery!
The Dram Duo 