Stoic Drinker’s Notes
2014-12-04 | Good/Very Good

Laphroaig 1995 'DUKE OF ROTHESAY' 2006 Bottling

Laphroaig LAPHROAIG 1995-2006 Official Bottling 'DUKE OF ROTHESAY' 40% 2006 Bottling
Bottle #ラフロイグ(LAPHROAIG)
By the way, Highgrove was once this. Laphroaig LAPHROAIG 1995-2006 Official Bottling 'DUKE OF ROTHESAY' 40% 2006 Bottling The aroma is a vibrant, strong fruitiness with grapefruit, mild papaya, glassy notes, and smoky elements reminiscent of charcoal and straw, alongside iodine. Upon drinking, it offers a concentrated, chewy texture with freeze-dried citrus, slightly charred peat, and the umami of barley, finishing with a long aftertaste. 【Good/Very Good】 This is an official Laphroaig bottling, distilled in 1995 and released in 2006 as 'DUKE OF ROTHESAY'. Interestingly, 'DUKE OF ROTHESAY' refers to Charles, the Prince of Wales. While Highgrove was typically released annually, this year it was rebranded as 'DUKE OF ROTHESAY'. The label is intricately designed, making it appealing. However, without notice, it later reverted back to Highgrove. The details and reasons remain unclear. Highgrove is usually associated with a fruity nuance from refill casks, but this bottling is no exception. Hints of grapefruit and tropical fruit emerge, offering a concentrated, chewy texture upon drinking. It also carries the characteristic smoky peat of recent Laphroaigs, with a pleasant barley depth. While Highgrove is often perceived as having thin lines due to its strong fruity profile, this bottling stands out. Even at 40%, the fruitiness, barley umami, and peat all feel notably pronounced, making it a fine example of 1990s Laphroaig.