Tasted #34: Laphroaig 18yo (#101drams)

Thanks to two recent trips through Singapore's Changi airport, and two visits to the excellent Terminal 1 Duty Free store (I forget the name, but it's the one right near the "Social Tree" and the Changi Millionaire stand), I've been able to try a few fantastic whiskies that would otherwise be difficult (or expensive) to come across in Australia.

First up - Laphroaig 18 (conveniently a #101drams whisky). I'd tried the 15yo on this blog previously (and given it 90/100) so was keen to see how the 18yo stacked up.

Whisky Lovers' paradise - SIN T1 Duty Free sample cabinet

Laphroaig 18yo Original Bottling (48% ABV, 18yo, Islay, Scotland)
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Nose: As with the 15yo, fresh fruit, slightly sweet, and with peat, but muted compared to the 10 and 15yo (unsurprising given peaty whiskies have a tendency to lose their overt peatiness over time in oak).

Palate: Big medicinal hit, as has come to be synonymous with Laphroaig. Still sweet, but that peat / "iodine" comes through. Incredibly smooth. I'd love to try the 25yo and see how it continues to mellow.

Finish: Mid-length (I expected slightly longer), and whilst the peat is subdued, it's still there in spades. The medicinal notes follow through to the end, with some residual sweetness.

Rating (on my very non-scientific scale): 93/100. I considered buying a bottle (though after the Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Red Wine Cask, Glenfiddich 125th Anniversary, Glenmorangie Nectar D'Or and others there wasn't much duty-free allowance left!) 

Cheers,

 - Martin.