Laphroaig Cairdeas Madeira Cask / Feis Ile 2016
Sometimes referred to as the most richly flavoured of all Scotch whiskies, Laphroaig is one of the most iconic island distilleries. With its smoky and iodine flavours, Laphroaig embodies the Islay identity.
Although the exact etymology isn’t known, Laphroaig is said to mean “broad hollow by the bay” in Gaelic. This references its location, a small basin on Islay’s southern coast. However, it officially operated under the business name of D. Johnston & Co throughout most of its history after Donald and Alexander Johnston, who in 1815 founded their distillery on the island’s south coast.
Cairdeas, pronounced [car-chuss] means “friendship” in Gaelic. These are released annually as distillery exclusives and for the Friends of Laphroaig group. Some early releases were labelled as Feis Ile exclusives and although this is no longer expressly stated, due to the time of year in which they become available, they are still considered as spiritual Feis Ile releases.
The Cairdeas 2016 Edition is a Laphroaig that has been double matured in ex-bourbon casks and then in Madeira-seasoned hogsheads.
Nose: Iodine, salt, sweet yeasty bread, vanilla cream, light fruitiness.
Taste: Sweet, vanilla, toffee, iodine, medicine smoke, sweet fruit cream (mix of peach, mango, apricot).
Finish: Long, dry smoke, iodine, sweet vanilla cream, eucalyptus.
