This is not (as the distillery’s initial news release claimed) the oldest-ever Laphroaig bottling, but it might appear in the group photo. The whiskies were matured for 27 years in a variety of casks before being married for the final year in ex-Sherry casks. The nose has a good smokiness with notes of grilled fruits, heather, creosote, oak, burnt caramel, and crème brûlée. The taste is smoky and spicy along the lines of a good dry rub barbecue, along with touches of honey, caramel, oak, and heather. The finish has a single smokiness with hints of grilled fruits, caramel, and honey. (October, 2018)