Stoic Drinker’s Notes
2014-12-11 | Very Good/Excellent

New Release: Laphroaig 1991 23 Year Old Official Germany Bottling

Laphroaig LAPHROAIG 1991-2014 23 Year Old Official Bottling for Germany, 52.6% ABV
Bottle #ラフロイグ(LAPHROAIG)
A wonderful bottle that makes one envious for not being released in Japan. Laphroaig LAPHROAIG 1991-2014 23 Year Old Official Bottling for Germany, 52.6% ABV The aroma is rich and heavy with apricot jam, ripe oranges, a strong peat presence with pronounced iodine notes, thick barley characteristics, hints of cheese, leather, earthiness, seaweed, and a rich profile. Upon drinking, it starts with a smooth mouthfeel that expands into a robust, aromatic richness featuring the bold sweetness of apricot jam and orange marmalade. The texture is thick and concentrated, with a good balance of tannins, umami from dashi and barley, and a strong peat character with noticeable iodine. The peat is assertive yet rich, without the charcoal-like notes common in recent distillations. This official cask strength bottling showcases Laphroaig's powerful and flavorful profile, making it an exceptionally strong new release. It bears resemblance to the Savoy Hotel bottling that was discussed among my circle, though it slightly falls short in scale. However, its delicacy and peat expression align with my personal preferences, making it one of my favorite examples of Laphroaig. Undoubtedly the most favored official bottling among recent Laphroaig releases in the past few years. A remarkably outstanding new release that leaves one awakened. I can't help but wonder if next year's bicentenary bottling will resemble this one. Why isn't something like this released for Japan, I wonder...