Laphroaig PX Cask Single Malt Scotch Whisky (1000ml)

"Unquestionably one of the great malts of the year...in spite of itself". - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible

Triple aged in ex-Bourbon barrels, quarter casks and Pedro Ximénez sherry butts, this deeply coloured Laphroaig opens with a PX top note almost overwhelming the expected distillery aromas. Brandy soaked raisins and dark chocolate amid flashes of sweet peat and pepper give way to smouldering cedar, cigar box and hints of elastoplast, accenting fruit cake in later inspections. Terrific balance in the sweet, smokey-malt mid palate; vanilla and Christmas cake add richness to the finish. Prolonged and lozenge-like with Laphroaig's trademark medicinal edge and pepperiness breaking through late, finally checked by the sherry. A big PX influence here but it's deftly handled - think of it as drunken Christmas pudding, Islay-style. 48% Alc./Vol. Normally travel retail exclusive.

Other reviews... This ultra sweet wine is often paired with smokey malt, often with disastrous consequences. Here it has worked, but only because the PX has been controlled itself by absolutely outstanding oak. And the ability of the smoke to take on several roles and personas simultaneously. A quite beautiful whisky and unquestionably one of the great malts of the year...in spite of itself. 96 points - Jim Murrays Whisky Bible 2015

...truly is excellent stuff, that sweet Pedro Ximenez sherry finish has added just enough fruit & spice to balance the oak and smoke. If the sweetness was just a tad more subdued, and it stated on the label if it was chill filtered, it likely would have scored even higher! Definitely my favourite Laphroaig so far, followed closely by Quarter Cask and 18 year old. 4.5 / 5 - peatedperfection.blogspot.com/

Gold Medal - International Wine & Spirits Competition 2021