Laphroaig Quarter Cask Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Product of: United Kingdom

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As the name would imply, this Islay malt benefits from final maturation in small quarter casks. The quarter casks are maturated in Laphroaig’s original Dunnage Warehouse No.1. and Laphroaig Quarter Cask is bottled close to cask strength without chill-filtration.

Such small casks were often used in the 19th century as they could be transported across the Glens by packhorse but fell into disuse as bigger and more cost effective barrels became easier to transport by more modern methods.

According to the good folk at Laphroaig such small casks give up to 60% greater contact with the wood compared to some of the larger sizes used today, thus they argue, greatly intensifying the maturation process. That extra wood contact would certainly speed the aging process so perhaps a practice the canny accountants at the company encourage.

Aroma:

A nose of peat smoke, strong tar and dried heather.

Taste:

Surprisingly easy palate. Sure it is incredibly smoky, but far from bring tears to your eyes, it envelops your tongue with an almost sweet velvety texture.

Aftertaste:

Not the rewarding challenge one might expect from Laphroaig.