Tasting notes by Ruben Luyten (WhiskyNotes.be) Score: 91/100

Nose: bourbon, really? Sure, there’s the classic carbon paper, old fabrics, as well as camphor and Vicks Vaporub. But also hints of tobacco which hints more at refill sherry perhaps. Subtle bandages and broken branches. Grilled oysters. Just a bright citrusy note in the background.

Mouth: oh, very powerful still. Definitely Laphroaig, with brine, smoke, liquorice, hints of tinned sardines and camphor. Big hints of black peppercorns. Then hints of menthol and black olives, as well as a tiny hint of passion fruit. Tiger balm, wood resin and iodine too. Clearly the work of a fisherman.

Finish: long and smoky, with hints of kiln air, drying herbal touches and coastal notes.

A deep profile with more smoke and coastal power than the official 25 Year Old or 27 Year Olds for instance. While I was hoping for a little more tropical fruits (unfair perhaps), this is simply a very intense, exemplary cask of Laphroaig.