New Release: Laphroaig 2001-2015 Samaroli BAR YUMOTO 10th Anniversary Bottling #367

A well-watered Laphroaig. Laphroaig LAPHROAIG 2001-2015 SAMAROLI 10th ANNIVERSARY BOTTLING for BAR YUMOTO #367 43% One of 240 bottles The aroma is elegant, with fresh grapefruit, a youthful barley note, vanilla, sea breeze, and iodine, but the smoky scent of burnt straw is strong. When drinking, it has a smooth mouthfeel with grapefruit and citrus notes, a slightly chewy texture, savory barley flavors, moderate sweetness, and refined acidity. The finish carries strong smoky dominance with an oily quality. [Good/Very Good] This is a 10th-anniversary bottling by Samaroli for BAR YUMOTO in Shima, featuring Laphroaig 2001 aged for approximately 14 years. It showcases Samaroli's signature Laphroaig style, with a strong aroma of fresh grapefruit-like fruits. The barrel character resembles bourbon without harshness, and the smoky peatiness is dominant. While drinking, it doesn't feel particularly youthful, with a smooth mouthfeel revealing citrusy fruitiness. Naturally, the strong peat character typical of Islay malts is present, along with a subtle chewy texture that I often associate with delicious Laphroaig. The refined acidity is pleasant, and it doesn't feel like a peat-covered youthful type. It was an enjoyable Laphroaig overall. I suspect that it would have had some complexity at cask strength, but the watered-down version was skillfully crafted. I haven't visited yet, but congratulations on BAR YUMOTO's 10th anniversary. It was a wonderful Laphroaig.