Like the traditional Laphroaig: a controversial whisky; liked by some, misunderstood by others.
Often when I hear people say they dislike whisky, I insist they just haven't found the right one. This is the point that I reach for my Laphroaig and ask them to try it. It's 50:50; they will either pull a face and (wrongly) say that they can't stand it, or love it and become a true convert. When people say they like whisky but they don't like peated whisky, I reach for either the Laphroaig Triple Wood or this: the Laphroaig PX Cask.
The PX Cask is aged in Ex Maker's Mark barrels followed by Quarter Cask, and finally, Pedro Ximénez sherry oak casks. Due to the extra ageing, the peat is beautifully tamed compared to the traditional Laphroaig; the sherry also adds an extra sweetness.
The PX is still quite peaty on the nose, just not compared to it's younger brother. That peat is cut with the sweetness of the sherry. You might not even realise it was there if you hadn't read the Laphroig label or seen the tell-tale green glass bottle. When you taste the PX you still get that strong peat flavour, it reminds me of camping thanks to the intense smokey oaky flavours. There's probably a lot more to explore here, I but can't; the complexity makes my palate go wild. It's like Ghengis Khan is pillaging my tongue, and I'm happy for him to be there.
With a drop of water, it cuts away at the harsher peat overtones giving the PX a lighter aroma that's almost a little nutty and a less smoky taste on the pallete. Unlike traditional Laphroaig, which might become more floral with water, the PX instead keeps its complexity while bringing out some additional sultana and raisin flavours. Lastly, there's the finish, while it feels like it might drop away quickly, it lingers on your tongue for a while.
While this is part of the travel retail range and notorious for receiving mediocre reviews from critics, especially considering the price of £80 for a litre, I enjoy the clash of matured peat with sherried sweetness. It speaks volumes that it has helped me convert many non-whisky and "bourbon till I die" drinkers to Scotch.
This was traditionally a travel retail edition so you could typically only find it in airports; however, it is now also possible to buy it online at:
If you like this, you will also like:
Arran Sherry Cask Finish
Laphroaig Triple Wood
Bruichladdich The Classic Laddie
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