Laphroaig Cairdeas Fino Cask Finish Review

Distilled & Bottled by Laphroaig

Region: Islay

Type: Single Malt

ABV: 51.8%

Age: NAS

Color: rose gold

This 2018 Feis Ile release from Laphroaig is aged initially in ex-bourbon casks before finishing in Fino Sherry casks. It is bottled at 51.8% ABV without chill filtration or added color. The last two digits of ABV on this bottle tie to its release year (X1.8% = 2018) which Laphroaig seems to be doing on every other festival release.

Tasting Notes

Nose: This begins with maritime notes of seaweed coupled with cigarette smoke. The trademark medicinal Laphroaig scent is instantly recognizable while toasted nuts, Grade B maple syrup and vanilla sweetness follow. There is also a slight, generic herbaceous character.

Palate: Each sip is warm and oily on the palate with salt and pepper preceding caramel, charred oak and orange oil citrus.

Finish: A delightfully long finish with some drier notes of smoldering tobacco and old leather. Lingering notes of iodine and sweet vanilla add to the finish alongside a savory, candied bacon note

Rating: 8/10

Conclusion: This is a fantastic example of Laphroaig. The Fino Cask’s delicate character has a subtle influence on the whisky which contribute the drier notes and general nutty qualities that are present.

Otherwise, this just tastes like a great ex-bourbon cask Laphroaig; balanced and delicious! If you can still find this sitting on shelves and like standard bottlings of Laphroaig, I absolutely recommend picking this up!