08 December 2022

Advent 2022 #7 - Elements of Islay Lp9

 

Hmm, after what was a fine but umtimately disappointing dram yesterday, I’m grateful this one turned up blind as I would not have been too keen on it right on the tails of Lp7. Let’s see how it compares/

Elements of Islay Lp9, Islay Single Malt, 54.3% ABV

Minutia: Distilled at Laphroaig in 1998 and matured in an ex-PX butt for 20 years and bottled on 2018 yielding 714 bottles. Reviewed blind, neat in an opaque glencairn.

ColorAuburn, polished mahogany; 1.5.

Nose: Smoke and musty red fruit. Leather, soot. A brightness to it, overall.

Taste: Smoky seafood, pepper, coffee.

Finish: Smoky espresso. Long.

Guess: Octomore, not an X.1.

Damn, what a follow up. The nose of the Lp7 was a bit too gentle, and this makes up for it in all areas. Laphroaig was actually my initial thought, but it felt too robust and flavorful to not be an Octomore. I briefly considered Caol Ila/Port Askaig, but, again, strong notes that are common to Octomore. What a great dram. I liked the PX finish Cairdeas, and really like this full term PX Laphroaig. Excellent cask, excellent dram, and I’m fired up to keep this going tomorrow.

Score: 91

Musical Evocation: Erasure – “Always”



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