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Laphroaig Cairdeas special release 2018, a blessing!

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Laphroaig, an old distillery from the famous island of Islay in Scotland, has released a new expression of Cairdeas in 2018, a few weeks ago.

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Every year, John Campbell, Laphroaig Master Distiller , creates a limited edition to celebrate friendship (“Cairdeas” in Gaelic). These yearly limited releases are so rare and wanted that a special web platform is opened each time, only to the registered “Friends of Laphroaig”.

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An announcement of the date of “order availability” is made a couple of months before: even the time a given day at a given precise time, with limited purchase to only one bottle per person. This way makes everyone equal in the chance of getting the precious spirit.

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TASTING NOTES LAPHROAIG CAIRDEAS 2018, 51.8%ABV

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THE MAKE

The first maturation is in traditional ex-Bourbon casks, first fill. While the aging is not disclosed, it might be around 5 to 6 years. Then the spirit is transferred into ex-sherry casks (Fino). Of course, a peated barley is used, as always for Laphroaig.

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NOSE

Smokey as expected of course, salty with some honey and fruits

PALATE

The smoke comes strong with some ash notes on a nice mouthfeel. Honey and vanilla are present, with spices (cinnamon,pepper) and a herbal note

FINISH

Medium-long, the smokey/ashy flavor is lingering, with leather

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WHAT TO EAT WITH?

Smoked salmon of course, alone or with some spicy cream cheese, oysters and seafood in general.

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MY TAKE ON IT:

I acquired it online directly from the distillery website and the liquid meets the high expectation I have.

If you have a chance to taste it, just look at the bottle, and enjoy the moment. Not everybody can claim that she or he had such bottle in hands. Then pour your glass (a whisky glass if possible, like Glaincairn or tulip shape), and listen to the typical noise the bottle makes while releasing the first centiliters of spirit, and then the sound of the liquid filling the glass.

You can look at it to analyze the color, the legs of course, but it can also be done with a different intention: just savor the few seconds that separate you from the pleasure of smelling then drinking. Like the cat plays with the mouse, knowing for sure he will end up by eating the rodent. This is part of the pleasure, taking the time to enjoy the moment for what it is: the antechamber of a blessed experience.