Laphroaig Cairdeas Port and Wine Cask Review

Distilled & Bottled by Laphroaig

Region: Islay

Type: Single Malt

ABV: 52%

Age: NAS

Color: Rose Goldish

Laphroaig’s 2020 Cairdeas is a special release that combines whisky aged in second-fill Ruby Port barriques with whisky that was initially matured in ex-bourbon casks before being finished in red wine casks. It is bottled without chill filtration, though I can’t be sure they haven’t added caramel coloring to the final product.

Tasting Notes

Nose: It starts with strong herbal notes and malted barley. Next comes smoked cheeses before the nose eventually opens up to sweet red fruits like strawberry and cherry. I also find some vanilla.

Palate: A medium weight viscosity to the palate which has burnt wood, hints of salted caramel, strawberry jam, and moldy cheese.

Finish: Medium in length, the finish starts with lots of ash and smoke with signature medicinal Laphroaig character as well as pitch/tar. There’s a little maritime salt as well as some peppery spice to compliment more classic Laphroaig notes on the finish. The sweet fruit notes still remain throughout.

Rating: 7.5/10

Conclusion: This is like a fruit and cheese platter that someone left out overnight by a bonfire on the beach. There’s a lot of sweet fruit here mixing with those classic Laphroaig notes that cause some folks to flee in terror, but if you like some sweet with your angry peat, this is definitely for you.