It’s this time of year and The Islay festival of malt and music (FEIS ILE) is in full motion. Sadly, I am not able to be there this year (again!), but quite a few friends (and whisky friends) are there… Gladly Douglas Laing have bottled a special edition Old Particular Laphroaig to celebrate the event, and I they kindly shared a wee sample. This is a 14 year old single cask , refill butt, that yielded 636 bottles, at 48.4% abv.
Laphroaig 14 year old – Douglas Laing’s OP– Feis Ile 2015 edition, 48.4%, £75
Nose: Rather peaty as you might expect from a Laphroaig but it’s also quite fruity underneath. Cinnamon and envelope glue, as well as berries. Peat reek and nice oily feeling too. Sweet peat that is with a peppermint quality to it. A very nice nose, for those who appreciate a peaty edge.
Palate: Sweet and peaty on entry, it is really sweeter than I’ve anticipated. Feels younger with a peaty smoky fudge feeling going on. Not as spicy as some Laphroaigs are … But very Laphroaig-y nonetheless .It’s Highly drinkable if you can say such a thing about Laphraoig. Moreish. There is also quite a bit of tar , soot and ash with iodine that follows.
Finish: Barley sugars with cinnamon and ash. Salt and tar go a long way.
Bottom line
A rather delicious addition to the Old Particular range. well done Douglas Laing. Highly enjoyable, it’s maritime and medicinal, without giving up on fruit and complexity. I like this one. A solid Feis Ile edition you can get without being there…
Score: 88/100
Available at the Whisky Barrel for 75 GBP.
Official sample provided by D.Laing.