Laphroaig QA Cask Double Matured Single Malt Scotch Whisky
The third offering is from an Islay distillery that needs no introduction. Often described as the bad-boy of peaty, smokey whiskies - Laphroaig ($10 if you can pronounce it) is iconic of the whiskies distilled on the island of Islay (pronounced Eye-la). I just realised that 12 months from now we’re all going to be proficient in Gaelic.
Laphroaig QA Double Matured which the QA is an abbreviation for Quercus Alba – the latin name for American Oak. As you could imagine with a name like that it is aged in ex-bourbon casks followed by first-fill oak casks.
Fractionally lighter in colour than the Highland Park. It is light honey coloured. This review may start to get a little biased as I have an ongoing love affair with peaty Islay whiskies.
Before I even got to pour a glass I could instantly smell the smokiness coming through. Look out for smells of iodine, seaweed and smoke. Doesn’t sound pleasant but if you like smokey whiskies it’s beautiful.
Tasting it is an absolute joy. The best way to describe this would be ‘the seaside’. There is quite a complex taste with the double maturation definitely coming into play. At 40% alcohol it is interesting to taste the smoke coming through without the intensity of the alcohol. At the end there is almost a slight honey taste on my tongue. Different to other Islay whiskies and very enjoyable.
On a side note - drink this one last. I just went back for some more Highland Park and all I can taste is smoke.*
*not a complaint