Having just reviewed the Jim Beam Double Oak, this carries on the multi-cask maturation theme but goes two better being aged in no less than 4 different casks. This cask are ex-bourbon barrels, quarter casks, virgin American oak barrels and European oak.
The bottle looks very similar to the Laphroaig 10 which I am a big fan of but there is no age statement on this which means it will be younger most likely. According to Laphroaig themselves, it is:
“Created from four different oak barrels. Each imposes unique character into this golden, creamy peat-smoked Islay malt with Warm, toasted vanilla notes”
It is also a “travel retail exclusive” which means it is only available in duty free. That doesn’t strike me as a moniker that adds much prestige but as with anything, the proof is in the pudding, or in this case the whisky!
Tasting Notes
Distiller: Laphroaig
Region: Islay
ABV: 40%
Proof: 80
Age: NAS
Nose:
It’s very similar to the Laphroaig 10, some smoke, iodine and sea salt. Then flowers and honeycomb.
Taste:
Like a muted Laphroaig 10, Smoke and brine but they don’t hit you like a hammer like the L10 which is one of the things I love about that. Some honey, seaweed and a hint of nutmeg.
Finish:
Peat smoke, iodine, some medicinal tones which I’m not keen on, then some rocksalt. It hits you a few times.
Overall:
Not a fan of this, it is like a weak version of the Laphroaig 10 and I don’t feel the four cask element brings much to the table.
Summary:
Not a bottle I would buy again to be honest, it seems a little gimmicky. It’s also just a bit toothless and not what you expect from an Islay. Go for the 10 year Laphroaig or something like the Ardbeg 10.
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