Whisky Review/Tasting: Laphroaig 1991

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Laphroaig Distillery, Islay, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation Process: The whisky was matured in a combination of the best refill and ex-sherry hogsheads, selected by master distiller John Campbell. The use of hogsheads (250 liters) instead of the larger sherry butts (500 liters) and the choice of refill casks contribute to a unique maturation process.
Age Statement: 23 years old, distilled in 1991 and bottled in 2014.
Limited Edition: Only 5,000 bottles were released, primarily available in Europe.
Color and Bottle Design: The packaging diverges from the typical Laphroaig design, featuring a dark black tube with copper tones, reflecting the color of the copper stills used in distillation.

General Flavor Profile: The whisky offers a complex blend of spice, nuttiness, honey, sweetness, and dried fruits, with a very dry finish attributed to the ex-sherry cask maturation. Despite the long maturation, the signature Laphroaig peat smoke flavor remains prominent, though it has matured into a more oxidized, dry smoke character.
Specific Tasting Notes: Notable flavors include cloves, spiciness, nutmeg, and a sweetness that could be attributed to either the sherry cask's influence or inherent caramel/toffee notes. The smoke is strong but has evolved into a more mature character. The aftertaste brings peppery notes, some dried fruits, and an unexpected saltiness, creating a unique combination of peatiness and aged cask influence.

Distillery Ownership: Laphroaig, owned by Jim Beam since 2008, is now under the umbrella of Suntory, a Japanese company, adding an interesting layer to its heritage.
Master Distiller's Selection: The careful selection of casks by John Campbell, aiming to craft a unique expression of Laphroaig, highlights the distillery's dedication to quality and innovation.

Islay Whisky Tradition: Laphroaig 1991 is a testament to the rich tradition of Islay whiskies, known for their peaty and smoky characteristics. The whisky embodies the essence of Islay, with its strong peat smoke flavor and maritime influences, including the noted saltiness.

"This is one of the oldest available strong peated whisky." - Horst Luening, emphasizing the rarity and value of aged, peated whiskies.
"Very mature, peated whisky are rare, very rare." - Highlighting the scarcity of well-aged peated whiskies on the market.

Laphroaig 1991 is a 23-year-old single malt Scotch whisky, limited to 5,000 bottles.
Matured in refill and ex-sherry hogsheads, offering a complex flavor profile with a dry finish.
Maintains Laphroaig's signature peat smoke flavor, matured into a more oxidized, dry character.
Unique packaging design, reflecting the distillery's heritage and the whisky's aged quality.
Owned by Suntory, adding an international dimension to its Scottish roots.
Noted for its rarity and the scarcity of similar aged, peated whiskies on the market.

For Peat Lovers: Those who appreciate the intense, smoky flavors characteristic of Islay whiskies will find the Laphroaig 1991 particularly appealing, with its matured peat smoke character.
For Collectors: The limited availability and unique maturation process make this whisky a valuable addition to any collection.
For Experienced Whisky Enthusiasts: The complex flavor profile, combining traditional peaty notes with the nuanced influences of aged sherry casks, offers a sophisticated tasting experience for seasoned palates.