Laphroaig 10 Year Cask Strength - Red Stripe

Very different from Johnny Walker. Smokey and harsh, but delicious.

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Laphroaig 10 year old Cask Strength, the Red Stripe, is the more recent of the Cask Strength offerings. 114.6 proof (57.3% abv), Isle of Islay, it's a smoky powerful, bold, brass and unapologetic.

Color: Deep gold

Nose: Bonfire smoke, sweet malt, slowly drying as aroma develops, faint iodine and sea spray, a kiss of salty oak.

Palate: Very sweet, candied entry slowly warms for a second or two then an explosion of smoke, medicinal iodine, algae, barbeque, salt and pepper, fades into more smoke. Simple and straightforward. Very coating mouthfeel, nearly syrupy.

Finish - Drier than the regular 10 year old, more smoke, Very long. Sweet and salty notes behind the powerful smoke.

I really like this one, very similar to the standard 10 year, but with 14% less water it's far more concentrated and in your face. I find this version to be slightly drier than the standard as well especially in the finish, but still the sweet character with Laphroaig's typical sweet and salty smoke profile. A very pleasant whisky, moderately well balanced but not very complex, still thoroughly enjoyable.

Overall Score: 88

Here's a link to the discussion thread.