Laphroaig Brodir (Batch 002)

I’ve always wanted to try the Laphroaig Carideas 2013 Port Wood Finish, but alas, this is likely the closest I will come to that. The Laphroaig Brodir (Batch 002) is a 2015 vintage NAS expression that was originally released for the European travel market. Brodir is matured in ex-bourbon casks and then finished in European oak ex-ruby port casks before being bottled at 48%.

I really enjoyed the Brodir, and grabbed a bottle the very next day. It’s a great sipping whisky that doesn’t punch you in the face like some of the other Laphroaig’s (not that there’s anything wrong with the peat-monsters). I like this better than the PX Cask I reviewed previously, but would love to compare it to the 2013 Carideas should anybody be willing to part with a dram!

BOTTLE INFO

Distiller: Laphroaig
Region: Islay
ABV: 48.0%
Mashbill: 100% Malted Barley
Cask Type: Double matured; ex-bourbon and European oak ex-ruby port casks
Age: NAS
Chill Filtered: No
Color Added: No
Color: Chestnut

TASTING NOTES

Glass for Review: Glencairn (rested)
Nose: Very fruity, white chocolate, dates and a hint of honey
Palate: Very light, but very oily/milky mouthfeel. Almost the same mouthfeel as a wine. Very fruity, currants, grapes, and the faintest hint of smoke
Finish: The port cask really comes through here; I sort of feel like I’m drinking a dessert wine rather than a scotch. A drying finish with fruit and a hint of smoke.
Overall: I’m pretty impressed and it’s not a typical Laphroaig in my mind. Very sweet, thick but light, little bit minerally and a hint of smoke. As previously stated, much like a dessert wine.

Average Price: $110 USD