Laphroaig – 10 Year Old Cask Strength Batch 16 (70cl, 58.8%)

Batch 16 of Laphroaig's 10 year old cask strength, which the distillery describes as its most powerful expression. This Islay single malt was bottled in 2022 at 58.8% in a 70cl bottle. It is described as having layers of peppery peat smoke, meaty malt, sea salt and oaken vanilla. The nose is rich and oily, with woody spice, bonfire ash, smoked fish, salted nuts, anise and a hint of iodine. The palate mixes sweetness and smoke, with vanilla honey, cooked apples, buttery pastry and tarry, medicinal peat, plus brine and warming ginger. The finish is bold and drying, with smouldering smoke, charred oak, candied almonds and iodine.