Elements of Islay Lp1 Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (500ml)

One of a new collection of seriously fun whiskies produced by Specialty Drinks to celebrate Islay. The series is produced by vatting several barrels of whisky from a single distillery. Staff have tasted these whiskies informally and tell us no proper notes were taken because "they're for drinking, not thinking!" This is consistent with the plethora of whisky 'bloggers' all singing the same tune; these are bold, powerful and flavoursome whiskies - in some cases some of the most exciting and lively expressions released anywhere, anytime.

This Lp1 bottling comes from the Laphraoig distillery, owned and operated by Japanese drinks giant, and notable whisky Japanese producer, Suntory on the Southern coast of Islay. Laphroaig is renowned for being one of the world's most flavoursome whiskies. Typically heavily smoked, lean and mean, with distinctive Iodine, lanolin, elastoplast and damp soil like characteristics which tend to polarise whisky lovers; It's a love or a hate thing with Laprhoaig.

Stocks of all three varieties are very limited. Due to the method employed when producing these whiskies, only very small quantities were produced, some whiskies from as few as nine casks.

Tasting notes This vatting shows just a touch less of the iodine/lanolin/elastoplast characteristics, and more big punchy fruit, smoke, and sherry notes. Pale gold colour. Typically Laphroaig, but with everything soft and furry. Elastoplast, wet wool, stewed pear and cinnamon. Palate begins semi sweet with choc fudge, then turns bitter sweet with cocoa nicely balanced against salty, earthy peat. Tingly, spicy mouthfeel, but overall well balanced. Exceptionally long aftertaste of lanolin followed by a sweet cocoa fade. Suggests the use of casks of older whiskies at the blending table? 58.8% Alc./Vol.