Laphroaig – Elements L 3.0 (70cl, 55.3%)

Laphroaig Elements L 3.0 is the third release in the Elements series, a cask strength Islay single malt in a 70cl bottle at 55.3% ABV. This edition centres on heat. An unexpected fire in the kiln made the peat burn longer and at much higher temperatures than usual, and the distillery used the chance to experiment. The whisky was distilled from malt that had been lying on the floor above. The heat brought chocolate and coffee notes into the spirit. On the nose it is charcoal, chocolate and spice with charred peat and salty sea air. The palate begins with intense peat, then roasted cocoa and dark chocolate, before blackberry, plum and gooseberry appear. The finish is long and dry, with sea salt, leather and sooty smoke.