This was Laphroaig’s annual Cairdeas release that debuted during the Islay Festival of Malt & Music, and started out in first-fill ex-Bourbon casks before final maturation in Fino Sherry casks. The nose is nicely balanced with a soft peatiness and is fruity with notes of fresh peaches, red apples, honey, and brown sugar. The taste is thick and chewy, and starts off with dried fruits followed by the classic Laphroaig notes of peat smoke, sea salt, and a hint of creosote, along with touches of almond oil and honey in the background. The finish has lingering touches of smoke, sea salt, and dried fruits. Very nice. (June, 2018)