This is one I was really looking forward to. In addition to just knowing I’ve enjoyed peat and Port/red wine, the fact that one of the best regarded releases also saw time in Port casks made it all the more appealing. I had my hopes tempered as encore releases are rarely as good as the first one, but still was looking forward to it. Anyway, finally got around to it a bit late, and have the 2021 planned shortly enough where it might still be relevant, and I can review the 2022 when it releases and actually help people decide whether to buy it when it’s on normal shelves.
Laphroaig Cairdeas 2020 Port & Wine Casks, Islay Single Malt, 52% ABV
Minutia: Matured in 2nd fill ex-Ruby Port barriques and ex-bourbon barrels, and finished in red wine casks. Enjoyed neat in a glencairn.
Color: Auburn, polished mahogany; 1.5.
Nose: Musty, leathery fruit. Medicinal smoke. Green sticks/leaves.
Taste: Fruity over smoked leather and meat.
Finish: Vegetal, mossy, salty smoke. Long.
Really nice, a classically rich Laphroaig with more emphasis on fruit.
Score: 90
Musical Evocation: Aerosmith – “Seasons of Wither”
