Laphroaig – Elements 1.0 2023 (70cl, 58.6%)

Laphroaig Elements 1.0 is the first release in an experimental series from the Islay distillery. The change was made at the very start of production: Laphroaig combined its modern 5.5-tonne mash with a historic 8.5-tonne mash of the kind used before the 1990s. The distillery also used a mix of cloudy and semi-clear wort and a 55-hour fermentation, aiming for a fuller, more structured style with more tropical fruit alongside the medicinal peat smoke. It was matured in ex-bourbon casks and bottled in 2023 at 58.6% ABV, in a 70cl bottle. The nose has sea salt, smoked bacon, strawberry jam, charred pineapple and intense peat smoke. The palate brings pepper, tropical fruit, clove and liquorice with strong smoke and an oily texture. The finish is long and clearly peaty, with lingering spice.