This whisky is the fourth in a series of special bottlings marking Laphroaig’s 200th anniversary in 2015, and is a limited-edition release. It was matured in ex-Oloroso Sherry casks, and the nose is smoky and sweet with notes of barbecue sauce, grilled meat, and hints of figs and brine that don’t overpower the nose, but give hints of a gentle strength.

The taste is luscious and sweet at first, followed by intense peatiness and cinnamon spice with hints of heather, brine, and honey in the background. The finish is very smooth, but still forceful with good spices and peat smoke along with hints of honey, vanilla, and cocoa. It’s the whisky equivalent of an iron fist in a velvet glove. (June, 2015)

Editor’s note: These tasting notes are based on a sample of the final pre-release batch at around 54% ABV. There may be subtle differences between this sample and the consumer release.