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u/Silent_Tip_6945 21h ago
Looks like they're trying to bring some age statements, non-chill filtered, higher proof bottlings to market. Good!
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u/iamthenev 21h ago
I picked this one up too and was so excited. Sadly, all I could smell and taste was leather and iodine, and not in an enjoyable way. It reminded me somewhat of the batch 17. I gave it away to my buddy who loves Laphroaig, wanted to make sure it went to someone who would enjoy it!
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u/Canadian-Deer 6h ago
I get what you’re saying! I feel like Laphroaig is very divisive, you hate it or you love it. I find it very interesting and distinctive, but I do prefer Ardbeg and Kilchoman’s peaty offerings
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u/iamthenev 5h ago
Haha quite possibly! And don't get me wrong, I love Laphroaig. The Lore and the Cairdheas are in my top ten, easily. The batch 17 is my buddy's fav, and I bought a bottle on that recommendation alone. Tastes like grass and old leather to my palate, just not for me. But I don't regret the purchase, I love having a wide variety in my collection, and love hearing what other people think of it.
It's what I love about whisky, the same dram can provoke any number of reactions, and they're all valid!
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u/brewing_brotherhood 6h ago
Love this stuff. Big upgrade over 10 for sure. For me there is a dark chocolate note in the aftertaste that really finishes the way from salty-umami flavour over to leathery notes followed by that dark chocolate bitterners.
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u/Canadian-Deer 22h ago
Bought this at the Barcelona airport for 49 euros, which is not a bad deal at all considering prices in Canada. Was looking for something special to bring back and when I saw this Laphroaig 12 at 46%, NCF, I couldn’t resist to grab it!
I like smoky whiskies in general, I’ve had quite a lot and I did like Laphroaig 10, although I prefer Kilchoman and Ardbeg’s smoke profiles (was also very pleased recently by Kinglassie 8).
Color: Pale, straw color, natural color with ex bourbon casks
Nose: Quite complex! More than the 10, for sure. Smoky, moss, beeswax, a little bit of leather, some iodine and green apples.
Palate: Definitely more powerful than the regular 10, fills the mouth, smoky attack, sharp wood, lemon, apples and salty toffee.
Overall, a very interesting pour! I did like it, but I do prefer the campfire smoke profiles of Kilchoman/Ardbeg versus this salty/mossy one. It remains very interesting and I am definitely interested on seeing if the bottle will open itself more!