Laphroaig 27 yr Limited Edition Whiskey 750ml

Laphroaig distillery sits at the head of Loch Laphroaig on Islay's south coast, a location the distillery takes its name from directly. Known for one of the most intensely peated, medicinal styles in all of Scotch whisky, Laphroaig built its reputation on young, powerful expressions, which makes this aged release something of a departure. The 27 Year Old arrived in 2017 as the third entry in the distillery's Super Premium series of limited annual releases, following earlier 32 and 30 year old editions that pushed Laphroaig's age statements further than the brand had gone in decades.

Whisky destined for this release spent its early years maturing in refill hogsheads before being transferred into first-fill ex-bourbon barrels and refill quarter casks for a final stage of maturation. That extended time softened Laphroaig's usual raw intensity considerably, letting fruit and sweetness move to the front while the distillery's signature smoke settles into a supporting role. It was bottled at cask strength, 41.7 percent ABV, in March of that year.

The nose offers a burst of tropical fruit, lime, nectarine, and banana, alongside macadamia nut, vanilla, and a trace of sea salt. The palate carries soft citrus and lychee through smoldering sweet smoke, with white pepper and roasted espresso adding structure. The finish runs long and dry, closing on tobacco, spicy oak, and leather.