Laphroaig Quarter Cask

Laphroaig Quarter Cask with 700 ml. and 48 % volume.

This Expression has enjoyed a second maturation in small quarter casks. Laphroaig Quarter Cask is barrier filtered only and bottled at a higher strength.

LAPHROAIG QUARTER CASK
Laphroaig Quarter Cask takes its inspiration from the small casks often used for Scotch Whisky in the 19th century and frequently transported across the Glens by packhorse.

As the industry grew, they fell into disuse – bigger and more cost effective barrels became the norm, for maturation and transportation.

However as single malt lovers may know, the relationship between the barrels and the maturing spirit is critical. We noted that the small cask size gives up to 30% greater contact with the wood compared to some of the larger sizes used today, thus greatly intensifying the maturation process.

It was decided to recreate some of the Quarter Casks and the flavours they produce. We transferred some still maturing Laphroaig from our larger style barrels into the Quarter Casks. There then followed a further periods of maturation in our original Dunnage Warehouse No1.

For greater authenticity we simply barrier filtered the whisky – the method used in those far off days – and bottled at a higher alcoholic strength.

The result surprised and delighted us. The additional oak influence creates a soft sweetness and velvety feel when first tasted, then the intense peatiness so unique to Laphroaig, comes bursting through. The finish is very long and alternates between the sweetness and the peat.

Tasting Notes Laphroaig Quarter Cask
COLOUR Full sparkling gold
NOSE Burning embers of peat in a crofters fireplace, hints of coconut and banana aromas
BODY Full bodied
PALATE Deep, complex and smoky yet offers and surprises the palate with a gentle sweetness
FINISH Really long, and dries appropriately with smoke and spice


Awards of the Laphroaig Quarter Cask:

2010 International Wine & Spirit Competition - Gold Medal
2010 SF World Spirits Competition - Silver Medal
2009 SF World Spirits Competition - Silver Medal
2008 IWSC (Internation Wine & Spirits Competition) - Gold medal (Best in class)
2008 SF World Spirits Competition - Silver medal
2007 ISC (International Spirits Challenge) - Silver medal
2007 IWSC (Internation Wine & Spirits Competition) - Gold medal (Best in class)
2007 International Review of Spirits (BTI) - Gold medal
2007 SF World Spirits Competition - Silver medal
2006 Quality Drinks Awards Platinum Q Award
2006 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, double-gold award.
2005 Jim Murray's Whisky Bible - 95 points out of 100