Alcohol: 48
Region: Islay
Color: Full refractive gold
Nose: Burning embers of peat in a crofters fireplace, hints of coconut and banana aromas, mild
Body: Full bodied
Palate: Deep, complex and smoky yet offers and surprises the palate with a gentle sweetness
Finish: Really long, and dries appropriately with smoke, spice, and mild charcoal
First Tasted: April 2008
Price:
Number:
223
Don [rating=3]
Steve [rating=3]
Laphroaig Quarter Cask
Run out now and buy the quarter cask. Go on! Get out of your chair and RUN. Do not let the lack of an age statement throw you. I believe that whiskey is most often bought because of the cleverness of the label. Admit it. We sit around – swig a dram – and pronounce our verdicts – What Nonsense. But… Quarter Cask is the exception. Make no mistake – this whiskey is sublime – Not for the meek? Bull. That’s like saying Beethoven is not for the meek or Van Gogh is not for the meek. Tasting notes: if you need notes – buy something else sissy. If you must -Strong peat – lots of smoke – you will be tasting this for hours. Finish – never ends. Take your hands, rub them in grass, dirt, charcoal, the ocean – seaweed, add salt – peat – the smell of an old chimney a summer campfire – lick you hands and suck your fingers. and be glad you are alive. Go back for more. I guarantee you will. Beautiful and unforgettable.
Agreeing with D. Tis is easily one of the best single malts available at any age. This description and “rating” does it NO JUSTICE! The Quarter Cask is to be treasured and enjoyed on the most special occasions. You will not be disappointed if you get a few bottles because I guarantee this will be considered a rarity and a classic worth hundreds in a few years. I had two drams 2 hours ago and I’m still enjoying them on my lips now! One of the very few Scotch Whiskys that transports you directl to the place it is born, close your eyes and enjoy your trip to the shores of Islay where a great bonfire is happening!
Ah, beware reviewers who spell whisky as whiskey and (aargh!) the plural as whiskys. Aaaargh again. Whisky in Scotland is, uhmm, whisky. Anyway, Laphroaig Quarter Cask is basically malt whisky made easy for people who like sweet things.
‘Ordinary” Laphroaig is fascinating and complex – with peat and iodine and salt and, basically, the essence of Hebridean islands in a glass. This quarter cask stuff is dreadfully disappointing and not for grown ups. Ridiculously sweet – even though a hint of the real thing comes through in the after taste when you’ve got through the ghastly colying sweetness. If you really like this then have a glass of sherry instead and save a lot of money!
PS Yes, I’m Scottish.
These notes on here are to help people not put others down. Not interested in the snobbery behind whisky. I can both spell whisky and am Scottish, but that doesnt mean my appreciation of whisky is any “better” than someone who doesn’t/isn’t.
I like this malt. Sure, taste it against a 12 or even 10 year old Laphroaig and you will notice the Quarter Cask is missing some complexity.
Yet, D. and Chris’ enthusiasm is deserved. This is a lovely whisky and a bargain, a great addition to your cupboard. Buy it and try it