Laphroaig 27 Year Old is the third release in an annual series of limited editions showing the more mature expressions (after the 30 Years and Laphroaig 32 Years). It was matured in hogsheads and then transferred to first-fill bourbon barrels and refill quarter casks, before being bottled at cask strength 41.7% ABV in March 2017.
When Laphroaig announced this 27 Year Old, they showed us the mock-up to the left (similar to the 32). To the right is the actual bottle (in reality I would say it is even more pale than that). Very odd.
Laphroaig 27 yo
(41,7%, OB 2017)
Laphroaig 27 yoNose: very complex, with a tempered smokiness but rather tobacco leaves and leather, with firm notes of iodine and menthol. Deep fruity notes too, quite tropical, showing lime, nectarine and banana. Hints of custard (flan).
Mouth: oily texture but fairly gentle, still with this tropical fruity core (mango, peach, apricots) as well as some almonds and spices (from the quarter casks, I suppose). Vanilla and honey. Subtle iodine and a salty edge. Just echoes of smoke now and a hint of espresso in the end.
Finish: medium long, slightly drier with tobacco and ashes, sweet citrus and hints of pepper.
I love this style: very gentle Islay character, mixed with tropical fruits. It feels a little too soft perhaps (and I didn’t expect a powerhouse in the first place) but I still recommend it. Available from Master of Malt or The Whisky Exchange for instance.
Score: 91/100