AVB
Jesus of Cool, I'm bad, I'm nationwide
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- Nov 14, 2003
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Laphroaig Quarter Cask Single Islay Malt, 750ml, 96 proof, tube packaging, about $45-50.
A little history of a the quarter cask from Laphroaig itself:
"In the early days of the 19th century whisky was often transported by mule or packhorse. The whisky would be placed into small ‘quarter casks’ and await collection (less charitable historians suggest it was more to do with avoiding the duty officer as it enabled the distiller to use cattle paths!). "
They continued with:
"Recent Professional studies conclude that up to 50% or more of a whiskies aroma and flavour development, occurs during the maturation process. Now the smaller the barrel used, the stronger the oak influence will be, due to the hugely increased oak surface contact compared, to the small amount of whisky they contain. In the case of a quarter cask it is 30% greater than our standard barrels! - Furthermore these quarter casks ‘breathe’ far more deeply (the angels share) drawing in much more of the local air to infuse with the whisky.""
So how much is a quarter cask you ask? A quarter cask usually refers to a quarter of a hogshead which in turn is twice the size of a standard barrel so a quarter cask is really half of a standard barrel. (US measurements since most whisky uses our barrels)
It says on the bottle "Best savoured with a little water" but I didn't find that the case and liked it much better neat and this review is based on drinking it neat.
Laphroaig Quarter Cask doesn't have an age statement on it but is thought to be about 6-8 years old, in any case it is old enough to do the job and do it exceedingly well. The nose is the classic Laphroaig, a mixture of iodine, peat and tar but now has a good dollop of oak in the mixture. Tasting show a more oaky and sweet Laphroaig then one might be used to with the standard 10 or 15 yo. it isn't quite so peaty as the 10 yo version but is still well within the likings for a peat phreak. This is also smoother then the age or proof would have lead you to believe. The finish is another big one. A balance between sweetness and smoke with a huge amount of complexity. A very slight drying in the center of the tongue ends the experience minutes later.
If you like peaty malts this should be on your shelf. An ACE! :thumbs:
A little history of a the quarter cask from Laphroaig itself:
"In the early days of the 19th century whisky was often transported by mule or packhorse. The whisky would be placed into small ‘quarter casks’ and await collection (less charitable historians suggest it was more to do with avoiding the duty officer as it enabled the distiller to use cattle paths!). "
They continued with:
"Recent Professional studies conclude that up to 50% or more of a whiskies aroma and flavour development, occurs during the maturation process. Now the smaller the barrel used, the stronger the oak influence will be, due to the hugely increased oak surface contact compared, to the small amount of whisky they contain. In the case of a quarter cask it is 30% greater than our standard barrels! - Furthermore these quarter casks ‘breathe’ far more deeply (the angels share) drawing in much more of the local air to infuse with the whisky.""
So how much is a quarter cask you ask? A quarter cask usually refers to a quarter of a hogshead which in turn is twice the size of a standard barrel so a quarter cask is really half of a standard barrel. (US measurements since most whisky uses our barrels)
It says on the bottle "Best savoured with a little water" but I didn't find that the case and liked it much better neat and this review is based on drinking it neat.
Laphroaig Quarter Cask doesn't have an age statement on it but is thought to be about 6-8 years old, in any case it is old enough to do the job and do it exceedingly well. The nose is the classic Laphroaig, a mixture of iodine, peat and tar but now has a good dollop of oak in the mixture. Tasting show a more oaky and sweet Laphroaig then one might be used to with the standard 10 or 15 yo. it isn't quite so peaty as the 10 yo version but is still well within the likings for a peat phreak. This is also smoother then the age or proof would have lead you to believe. The finish is another big one. A balance between sweetness and smoke with a huge amount of complexity. A very slight drying in the center of the tongue ends the experience minutes later.
If you like peaty malts this should be on your shelf. An ACE! :thumbs:
