Laphroaig – Quarter Cask (70cl, 48%)

Laphroaig Quarter Cask is an Islay single malt bottled at 48% in a 70cl bottle, without chill-filtration. It takes its idea from the small casks once used to ease the carrying of whisky by packhorse. The whisky matures first in ex-bourbon barrels, then moves into American oak quarter casks. Their smaller size gives more wood surface relative to the liquid, which adds depth and a gentle sweetness to the strong peat character. Laphroaig was founded in 1815 by Donald and Alexander Johnston. The nose is powerful, smouldering peat smoke with coconut and banana. The palate is rich and layered, with deep smoke and soft sweetness. The finish is very long and grows drier, with smoke and spice alongside sweetness.