New Release: Laphroaig 2001-2016 15yo Edition Spirits First Edition #12787 59.8%

The second one was a light-colored butt. Laphroaig LAPHROAIG 2001-2016 15yo EDITION SPIRITS 'THE First Editions' #12787 59.8% One of 244 bottles, REFILL BUTT The aroma is dusty and concentrated grapefruit, vanilla, nuts, young malt, gradually emerging iodine, and smoky straw. Upon drinking, it starts with an unexpectedly smooth mouthfeel, expanding into grapefruit and vanilla cream, honey's rich sweetness balanced by oak, savory grain notes, briny sea breeze, iodine, and a long-lasting strong peat with charcoal-like characteristics. [Good/Very Good] This bottle, from Edition Spirits' First Editions, was founded by Mr. Andrew Stewart, son of Mr. Stewart of Hunter's Rain. As the recent release of #12387 with the same specifications was an outstanding Laphroaig, I aimed for a second 'eel' and purchased this bottle, suspected to be a sister cask. Although it bears the same 'REFILL BUTT' notation as #12387, I was surprised by its very light color. Regarding the crucial content, as expected from its light color, there's no obvious sherry influence. On the negative side, it feels youthful; on the positive side, it's easy to perceive the original spirit's character. Nevertheless, considering its light color for a 15-year-old specification, it's quite well-finished, with an impressive concentrated citrus nuance. Vanilla and oak notes are present, and I think it would be mistaken for a good bourbon if blind tasted. The sweetness has depth, and the strong peat with briny sea notes is distinctly Laphroaig. When knowing its specifications, it feels similar to the iodine notes of sister cask #12387. This makes it clear that in the latter, citrus fruits, youthful grain notes, charcoal-like elements, and briny characteristics were masked by sherry influence. Comparing sister casks with different barrel specifications is also interesting. #Laphroaig (LAPHROAIG)