Laphroaig 18 Years Old Douglas Laing Consortium of Cards 50% 1998

Professional reviews

Serge Valentin (87)

Yet another story, no comprendo here, I’m throwing in the towel. Cards, again? Did the good Hanyu people take over or something? Colour: straw. Nose: this one’s more medicinal, after all this is Laphroaig. Lemon and iodine, bandages, white pepper, and a dozen oysters. Some vanilla around all that, and perhaps peppered whelks. With water: a little sour dough, mashed potatoes, croissants au beurre… Mouth (neat): some sharp and pungent Laphroaig that bites you with all this pepper, we’re almost in chilli territories. It’s also very sooty and ashy, and rather bone dry. With water: we tamed it, it became gentler, with even raisins (from the sherry?) and some kind of sweet herbal tea. Finish: medium to long, with smoked raisins. Over-baked kouglopf (yep there are many different spellings). Comments: it’s funny how water makes it rounder and sweeter. Peat and sherry don’t always tango to perfection, this one does it rather well in my opinion.