Laphroaig 25 years 1997 - 2023 #3372

Tasting notes by Ruben Luyten (WhiskyNotes.be) Score: 91/100

Nose: bourbon, really? Sure, there’s the classic carbon paper, old fabrics, as well as camphor and Vicks Vaporub. But also hints of tobacco which hints more at refill sherry perhaps. Subtle bandages and broken branches. Grilled oysters. Just a bright citrusy note in the background.

Mouth: oh, very powerful still. Definitely Laphroaig, with brine, smoke, liquorice, hints of tinned sardines and camphor. Big hints of black peppercorns. Then hints of menthol and black olives, as well as a tiny hint of passion fruit. Tiger balm, wood resin and iodine too. Clearly the work of a fisherman.

Finish: long and smoky, with hints of kiln air, drying herbal touches and coastal notes.

A deep profile with more smoke and coastal power than the official 25 Year Old or 27 Year Olds for instance. While I was hoping for a little more tropical fruits (unfair perhaps), this is simply a very intense, exemplary cask of Laphroaig. 

Laphroaig Distillery

Laphroaig Distillery is located on the south coast of the island of Islay, right on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Founded in 1815 by Donald and Alexander Johnston, Laphroaig has a long and rich history of producing some of the most distinctive and beloved Islay whiskies.

A specific characteristic of Laphroaig is its distinct peat smoke and medicinal flavour, which gives the whiskies their unique and recognisable character. The distillery traditionally uses copper pot stills and dries the barley over peat fire, creating the distinctive smoke and iodine aromas. Laphroaig whiskies are mainly matured in ex-bourbon casks, which contributes to the balance of sweet and smoky flavours.

Laphroaig whiskies are famous for their complex flavour profile, with notes of seaweed, medicinal smoke, salt, and a subtle sweetness. The robust and powerful flavour, combined with a long, warm finish, makes Laphroaig a favourite among heavily peated whisky lovers. Its unique location, traditional production methods and distinctive flavour profile make Laphroaig an iconic name in the world of single malt whisky.

Signatory Vintage

Signatory Vintage is one of the most respected and recognised independent bottlers in the whisky world. The company was founded in 1988 by Andrew Symington and is based in Pitlochry, Scotland. Signatory Vintage is known for its impressive collection of single malt and single grain whiskies sourced from various Scottish distilleries.

In 2002 Andrew Symington acquired Edradour Distillery, one of the smallest traditional distilleries in Scotland. This has enabled Signatory Vintage to offer exclusive bottlings of Edradour whiskies alongside their regular independent bottlings.