Laphroaig Quarter Cask Scotch – Review

Laphroaig Quarter Cask ScotchLaphroaig Quarter Cask Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky

96 Proof

Price Point: $45 – $55 for 750 ML

Distiller: Laphroaig Distillery

 

Background

Several weeks ago, I wrote a review of Ardmore Traditional Cask, and how the distillers used smaller casks to instill more oak character into the whiskey in a shorter period of time.  The same is true for Laphroaig Quarter Cask – the whiskey is aged in, you guessed it, a cask one quarter the size of a standard barrel.  This essentially expedites the aging process, producing a more “mature” whiskey in a shorter period of time.

What I like about this whisky is that there are other “aged” expressions readily available to compare this one against, whereas the Ardmore only has the Traditional Cask expression (at least where I live).  Let’s jump into this one and see how it stacks up.

 

Review

The nose on Quarter Cask is smooth and creamy, similar to Lagavulin 16 Year Old.  There’s lots of peat but even more smoke.  This is another “campfire whisky”, like Ardbeg 10 Year Old.  The terroir of Islay is evident here with plenty of iodine and sea salt to go around.

There’s even more smoke in the mouth, but still a very creamy Scotch.  This one is not as intense as the 10 Year Old but also not as mellow and tamed as the 18 Year Old.  There’s a nice bit of oak in Quarter Cask from the secondary aging.

Like many Islay Scotches, the finish is lengthy on this one.  Good for late nights with good friends.

 

Rating & Recommendations

This is a very good Islay whisky (and a good value), earning an 88 out of 100.

Quarter Cask is my favorite Laphroaig expression above the 10 and 18 Year Old versions.

 

-Ryan

2 comments

3 pings

  1. My Mom got me a bottle because she knew how I liked Laphraoig.
    I was really grateful for the chance to try this stuff.

    The alcohol is very strong, it can almost burn the lining of your mouth, so adding a few angel’s tears doesn’t hurt.

    The oak is delightfully powerful and the malt comes on clear and strong.

    Combined with the signature Islay peat smoke, it makes for quite an experience.

    A single sip tastes like the smell of tarred railroad ties after a rainstorm.

    And the aftertaste tastes like cod liver oil, seaweed, medicine, and cinnamon.

    I know it might not sound as pleasant as chocolate fudge and candy based on my description, but I definitely give this stuff a high recommendation
    .
    I figure anyway that this kind of drink is for people who like the taste of spirits rather than trying to mask the alcohol with fruit juice and soft drinks.

    • Marc D on February 6, 2020 at 7:06 pm
    • Reply

    This stuff is amazing, and you’ll be amazed at the low price. My favorite everyday sipper.

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