Laphroaig LP11 Elements of Islay 53.9% 2005

Professional reviews

Serge Valentin (88)

The mistake I'm always making is that when I already know that a whisky will be great, I tend to believe that the tasting note will be short and fast. Colour: white wine. Nose: well they called this series 'The Elements of Islay', which is fine enough, but now that I've tried a few, I would say they'd rather call it 'The Essence of Islay'. This is essentially, fully and plainly Laphroaig. It is a sublime drop. Sea, lemon, wool, ashes, chalk, mezcal (yep), riesling, tomato, rhubarb (a new game at WF, spot the odd one out). With water: not necessary. There. Mouth (neat): perfect. Lime, salt, chalk, oysters, grapefruits etc. One theory – well that's a little more than just a theory - could be that once it's reached proper age, Laphroaig's ashes transform into citrus. And later, into tropical fruits. With water: perfect. Nice bitter apples. Finish: long, with all ashes not gone. Drying aftertaste. Comments: we're getting there. High-class Laphroaig.

BOW (90)

Notes by producer:

Distilled in 2005 and matured for more than 15 years in ex-bourbon barrels, our eleventh bottling of Laphroaig is full of barbecued and spicy medicinal notes, balanced by orchard fruits and a subtle sweetness. Only 496 bottles produced.

Tasting Notes:

Nose
Tamarind, dates and molasses. Sausages sizzling in the frying pan. Coal smoke with classic medicinal notes – carbolic soap and bandages.

Palate
Barbecued coastal notes married with Cox apples, celeriac and chilli spice. Salty maritime brine and homemade tomato sauce on a juicy burger straight from the grill.

Finish
Charcoal, charred toast from a farmer’s loaf and stewed orchard fruits.