Laphroaig 1997 Berry Bros TWE Exclusive

Tasting notes by Billy A

• Nose

  Sea spray, beach bonfires and lashings of fruit – lime, mango, pear, passion fruit and maybe even a hint of banana. The fruit sweetness sits under a layer of sharp citrus peel and fresh bandages.

• Palate

  It starts with a big coastal hit of crashing waves, damp stones and rock pools, and then the fruit arrives. The fruit bowl from the nose backed up by burning logs, coal dust and an unexpectedly rich backbone of vanilla cream.

• Finish

  Classic Laphroaig medicinal notes lead – iodine and sticking plasters – before liquorice, menthol, leafy tarragon and sweet anise roll-in and fade away.

• Comment

  A super-fruity Laphroaig with a big kick of the distillery’s traditional medicinal nature, but perfectly balanced with out either taking the upper hand. The smoke is very much in the background, but provides an excellent contrast which adds yet another layer of complexity. A good dram.