Tasting note

The clean - almost prim and proper - fruit appears to have somehow given a lift to the iodine character and accentuated it to maximum effect. The result is something much younger than the label demands and not immediately recognisable as Islay, either. But no less dangerously enticing...The grapes ensure the peat is met by a salivating palate; particularly impressive is the way the sweet peat slowly finds its footing and spreads beautifully; no shortage of cocoa: a kind of peaty fruit and nut chocolate bar...like the 27-y-o, an Islay which doesn't suffer for sherry involvement. Very different from a standard, bourbon barrel-aged Laphroig with much of the [usual] complexity reined in, though its development is first class. This one's all about effect - and it works a treat! Score - 94. (Jim Murray, Whisky Bible, 2013)

Bright Red Gold At bottling strength the aroma seems quite closed giving only a rich, sweet scent but a touch of water releases all the multitude of different flavours. The initial sweet, sherry sweetness is quickly followed by the time-honoured Islay peat tang. After this opening burst of flavour there is a smooth fruit ripeness that complements the tang of salt in the background. The burst of peat that fills the mouth is quickly restrained by a sherry sweetness that slowly develops into spicy apple fruitiness. The finish is very long and warming leaving a distinct tang of Islay.