Laphroaig Triple Wood Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
96 Proof
Price Point: $60 – $70 for 750 ML
Distiller: Laphroaig Distillery
Background
I’ve sampled my fair share of Laphroaig whisky, from the 10 Year Old to the 18 Year Old to the Quarter Cask. All are very good single malts, and have distinct differences between them. Enter Triple Wood, a NAS (no age statement) whisky aged in a combination of ex-bourbon barrels, quarter casks, and European oak casks. How will it stack up to its brothers?
Review
There’s a lot going on in the nose of Laphroaig Triple Wood. Bourbon (cherry and charred oak), peat, and fruit (sherry) notes. There are definitely multiple wood influences. This whisky is malty and complex. However, there’s also gasoline and small traces of new make on the nose.
Here’s where classic Laphroaig shows up. Smoke and peat show up, and they’re in your face. In addition, rich sherry notes creep in. There’s big bold flavor at 48%. Triple Wood is peppery, with creamy vanilla bean.
There’s mature oak on the finish, contrary to the borderline youthful notes on the nose. Laphroaig Triple Wood is reminiscent of Ardbeg Uigeadail, with a long-lasting finish.
Rating & Recommendations
Laphroaig Triple Wood earns a very nice rating of 86 out of 100.
This is a tasty no age statement single malt with plenty of character. For the price point, this is a decent value. For a few extra bucks, I would spring for Uigeadail, though. Or you could save some money and go for the Quarter Cask, which I think is the better whisky.
-Ryan