Laphroaig – 10 Year Old Sherry Oak (48%)

This is a 10-year-old Islay single malt from Laphroaig, bottled at 48%. It was matured in both bourbon and sherry casks, then given an Oloroso sherry finish in European oak towards the end of maturation. The finish adds fruity sweetness alongside the smoky, medicinal character. The nose is medicinal and sweetly smoky, with honeyed fruit, smoked bacon, a touch of seaweed, tarred ship planks and phenol. The palate begins smoky and sweetly medicinal, then moves to caramelised dried fruit, maple syrup, dark chocolate, pine needles and cedar. The finish is long and sweet with forest honey, and the medicinal phenolic notes stay at the back of the palate.