Thompson Bros Distilled on The Isle of Islay 1993 Aged 27 Years

Style: Sweet and Smoky

Rating: ☆☆- [Highly Recommended]

Nose:

Aroma of sweet lemon, minerals and phenol, pretty unmistakable Laphroaig if you ask me. Aloe vera, delicate but abundant citrus confectionaries brimming brightly at the centre stage, very nice. Honeycomb placed on a chargrill, giving a good level of toasted waxiness. Iodine, sea salt sprinkles and seaweed as the rugged maritime side begins to show. Barbeque pork drizzled by limoncello. Red chilli and black pepper at the back to give it a final spike.

Palate:

Similar theme continues, the citrus is even more commanding on the palate. Roasted lemongrass, limoncello, orange gummies, red bean paste(!) and fisherman's friend infiltrate the confectionaries crust and weave into a malty core. Sea breeze blowing in, grilled oysters, medical peat chanting louder now. Barley in a refined form, more salt and mineral touches here and there as it approaches the end.

Finish:

Soft, almost silky finish. Sweet malt and stewed tropical fruits with fading peat touches.

Thoughts:

Judging from the profile, I am quite convinced that this is a Laphroaig. My impression on some Laphroaigs tend to drop off/ mellow down significantly after 25 odd years, but this one manage to stay on the vibrant side while also building up an elegant facet which makes it quite balanced and enjoyable. Perhaps lacking a magical spark to make it from good to great, but it is reasonably sweet with a clean structure, an excellent addition to your home bar I reckon.

[49.9% | Independent Bottling | 1993 Distilled | 2020 Bottled | Vatting | 2 x Refill Barrels | 536 Bottles | Cask Strength | **-]

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