Laphroaig has announced the 2019 release of its annual Cairdeas Scotch whisky series.
Every year, Laphroaig Distillery Manager John Campbell creates a limited-edition malt to “celebrate friendship” (“Cairdeas” in Gaelic). It’s among the most anticipated Laphroaig offerings each year.
This year’s release is a triple maturation. First matured in ex-bourbon barrels, the liquid is next goes in smaller quarter casks before finishing in European oak casks that previously held Oloroso sherry. It is then barrier-filtered and bottled at cask strength to create a “punchy dram” with Laphroaig’s signature richness and smoky taste, the company says.
Laphroaig Cairdeas Triple Wood has a nose of polished leather and tobacco leaves, the company reports, with spicy lemon and clementine zest. Also: notes of golden syrup, heather honey, autumn leaves, hazelnuts, vanilla fudge and a touch of white pepper and nutmeg.
On the palate is rich toffee, dates, maple syrup, praline and caramel, the company says, along with grilled chestnuts with apple tart, marzipan and strong black pepper, plus cedar wood, and a touch of furniture polish and beeswax.
Laphroaig Cairdeas Triple Wood is 119 proof/59.5% ABV. It is available for a limited time nationwide for a suggested retail price of $79.99 per 750-ml. bottle.
This follows the 2018 Cairdeas expression, which featured a double maturation in first-fill bourbon barrels, before finishing in Fino Sherry casks
