Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml) - 2017 Release

Check out what this is selling for in the UK and you'll realise you're in genuine bargain territory. If you already own a 2016 (now $800), this is an opportunity to add to your collection while the direct import pricing holds.

Mostly sold out in the UK, or otherwise limited to one bottle per customer at major retailers, this is likely to be our final shipment of Laphroaig's 2017 vintage-dated release.

Bottled at a higher than normal strength, the 2017 edition is a marriage of bourbon casks with whiskies aged in second-fill oloroso sherry casks, promising a complex mix of sweet, creamy bourbon notes and rich sherry intertwined with Laphroaig's signature maritime peat. Following the stellar quality of the 2016 (96.5 points Jim Murray), this continues the series with another unmissable Laphroaig.

Tasting note: Brilliant gold. Slow, brooding, drier-styled aromatics, like the calm before the storm... oloroso pokes through the oily peat as smoked almonds, walnut fudge and a little orange zest emerge...The medicinal notes of younger Laphroaig have dissipated; instead, dried herbs, cough lozenge, pipe tobacco, vanilla and earthy peat enter. The malt arrives thick and chewy before a tsunami of salt and pepper, while the finish turns tingling, oily and sweet. Liquorice, cocoa, spent pipe tobacco and maritime freshness overtake the fading oloroso. Delicate but long. Minimal water lengthens the flavour wave, lending a sooty, ashy quality. Fabulously complex and even better after 10-20 minutes breathing. If you're a fan of this distillery, get some. 48.9% Alc./Vol.