Lauding Laphroaig (Round 2!) Laphroaig Càirdeas 2023

Front and center, a disclaimer- this sample was provided to me by Beam Suntory at no cost, no obligation to review and with no strings attached. It in no way influences my review, but I thank them for their generosity in doing so.

Background

Càirdeas, meaning ‘friendship’ in Gaelic, so named because Friends of Laphroaig are the first to know about the annual release. This year's edition, Càirdeas 2023, is a limited-edition single malt whiskey that combines the flavors of Madeira casks and White Port casks. Three quarters of the whiskey is matured in second-fill Madeira casks. The final quarter has been finished in first-fill Port casks; the majority of which are white port. It’s personally my first experience with the Càirdeas line, so I’m excited to dig into this and see what I’ve been missing!

Laphroaig Càirdeas 2023 (NAS, 52.3%)

Nose: I’m picking up this buttery umami note first and foremost. Kind of obnoxious and over the top, but it reminds me a bit of grilled seafood (there’s a char note as well) dipped in a butter sauce. There’s a grilled peach note here too.

Palate: That same grilled peach note is front and center. Burnt honey, dark chocolate hints of nutella and then honey roasted nuts. The sip evolves from fruit and honey forward to more of a drier, dark chocolate and that customary Laphroaig smoke/char.

Finish: Salted (and burnt!) caramels, dark chocolate, and it’s pretty earthy. Fairly long and honestly well balanced. It’s not too dry, but still rich, earthy, salty, and a little smokey.

Excellent (8/10)

Overall: Coming in, I was concerned there would potentially be a little too much going on with the blend of both Madeira and White Port casks. In reality though, the fruits pop against an undercurrent of smokier notes. This is a rich pour with a lot of depth.