New Release: Laphroaig 32 Year Old Official Bicentenary Bottling

I'm deeply moved by the fact that I was able to drink this, and that it was exceptionally delicious. Laphroaig LAPHROAIG 32yo OB 46.6%, bottled in 2015, one of 5800 bottles, ex-Oloroso sherry hogsheads The aroma is complex and rich: chocolate-covered dried orange, plums, ripe melon, berries, prosciutto, nuts, a touch of cheese, seaweed, leaf mold, strong iodine and smoke, rich. When drinking it has a smooth mouthfeel that starts softly but expands with rich complexity: chocolate-covered orange, faint berries, diluted coffee, a slightly chewy texture, jam-like sweetness but not overpowering, a tightening subtle bitterness, faint umami of fish stock, gentle cinnamon and herbs, iodine and smoky charcoal, medium-bodied with an oily feel, peaty, fruity, and a clean finish. [Very Good/Excellent] This year has been all about Laphroaig for me, but it's still a special occasion to have finally drunk the last bottle of this bicentenary commemorative 32-year-old. The bottling uses a clear bottle instead of the usual green one to make the color visible, as it's a refill Oloroso sherry hogshead. Unlike other sherried Laphroaig releases like 1974 or the so-called Black Laphroaig from 1980/81, this has a translucent reddish hue. The aroma immediately gives the impression of matured Islay, with Laphroaig's characteristic fruity notes enhanced by aging. The sherry cask elements, though not dominant, wrap around the whole profile. The strong peatiness with cheese and prosciutto notes, along with the iodine that carries a seaweed-like official classic Islay character, are all present in harmony despite the bottling being so recent. When drinking it has a surprisingly smooth mouthfeel for such a peaty Islay malt, followed by rich expansion. As with the aroma, the 1980s early Laphroaig character and sherry cask nuances are harmoniously integrated, with a tightening subtle bitterness that makes the sweetness unexpectedly mild. Though the body is slightly weaker, there's no excessive woody or burnt notes, instead overflowing with the charm of long aging. Despite its age, the balance of peat and other elements is well-maintained. Perhaps due to its lower ABV, it's easy to appreciate each component. Even with bias, I consider this a completed Laphroaig as a long-aged Islay malt. Given its extreme aging, there's a slight impression of the body starting to fade. As a beautifully matured malt now, it might be correct to open and drink it for the bicentenary commemoration. It takes courage to uncork such a high-priced bottle, though... Now, why isn't the evaluation Excellent despite my enthusiastic praise? It's simply a matter of personal preference. As mentioned, it's an exceptional malt with rare aroma and completion. I have no doubts about its quality. The question is what one seeks in Laphroaig. Specifically, regarding my desire for a powdery concentration or thick body in Laphroaig, this 32-year-old doesn't have much of that. I wrestled between VG and VG/E, drinking a considerable number of glasses despite its high price because it was delicious. Comparing this to the 21-year-old I ultimately rated VG, which I had previously hesitated between VG/E and VG, I found myself drawn to the 21-year-old's direction. However, in terms of rare charm packed into it, the 32-year-old stands out. I couldn't separate the emotional impact of drinking this final bottle from my beloved distillery's bicentenary commemoration. Thus, I ultimately rated it VG/E. 15-year-old, 21-year-old, Caol Ila, and this 32-year-old. Now, how many distilleries can release such a wide range of new releases for bicentenary commemoration? The bottling numbers are substantial, ranging from thousands to tens of thousands, making them not cheap. However, unlike commemorative bottles from Macallan or Bowmore that are practically inaccessible to the general public due to both quantity and price, none of these were the case here, which was a very positive impression. Above all, for me, the contents of this bicentenary bottle were all moving experiences, making me even more fond of Laphroaig. Once again, congratulations on your 200th anniversary. I look forward to future releases.