Laphroaig Fèis Ìle 2018 Cairdeas

Scotch Whisky Review #482: Laphroaig Fèis Ìle 2018 Cairdeas

Distillery: Laphroaig.

Region: Islay.

Age: NAS.

ABV: 51.8%.

Cask Type: First Fill ex-Bourbon & Fino Sherry Cask Finish.

Color: 1.2, Chestnut/Oloroso Sherry.

This is the 8th installment of this years’ Christmas Countdown. You can check out previous editions as well (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022).

This whisky was reviewed blind.

Nose: The nose is really familiar. It’s peated for sure and very much so, though it doesn’t get to the level where you think you’re just inhaling pure smoke. Barbecue sauce slathered on a barbecue meat platter is what comes to mind.

Palate: It is smokier on the palate than on the nose and you get a hit of ash as well. There are bits of burnt ends here and there. Some earthier notes and something that reminds me a lot of mineral water also pop up. With water, the burnt end notes and earthier notes intensify.

Finish: Quite long. It’s smoky, peaty, and quite ashy. It feels like I’m standing next to a barbecue pit.

Guess: Lagavluin 11 Year Offerman Edition or Bunnahabhain Toiteach A Dhà.

Reveal: Laphroaig Fèis Ìle 2018 Cairdeas.

Conclusion: My only other run in with a Laphroaig Cairdeas release was the 2020 one and I wasn’t particularly impressed by that one. This version from 2018 though was a lot more fun. The overall vibe is pretty much being at a barbecue and it starts from the nose. The palate gives off a lot of fun burnt end notes which are quite nice, though the mineral water kind of distracts from them. The finish is a little ashier than I’d like but continues on with the barbecue theme. Overall, a fun one and one I can see peat lovers going nuts over.

Rating: 81.

Scotch Whisky Review #482, Islay Review , Whisky Network Review #644

Scoring Legend:

  • 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
  • 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
  • 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
  • 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
  • 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
  • 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
  • 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
  • 50-59: Save it for mixing.
  • 0-49: Blech.

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