Origin: Isle of Islay (Scotland)
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Strength: 55.3%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex Bourbon
Chillfiltered: No
Additional coloring: No
Owner: Suntory
Average price: € 170.00
Official website: www.laphroaig.com
In the first half of 2025, the third edition of Laphroaig’s Elements series was released, following the contemporary editions L 1.0 and L 2.0. This edition, while maintaining certain key elements (Islay barley, aging in ex-bourbon casks, cask strength, and no manipulation), modifies other aspects of the production process.
After the wort and fermentation, it’s time for the malting of barley, with an idea that originated from what is described as an incident when a fire broke out in the kiln (the oven where peat is burned to dry the barley), leading to temperatures much higher than usual and a prolonged exposure of the raw material to heat.
It was decided to work anyway on this hyper-peated malt (among other things) to see what would come of it.
Tasting Notes
The burnt aspect is quite evident on the nose, among charred wood, tar, and toasted pastry, with medicinal and maritime notes as supporting players. In the background, citrus notes of lemon and grapefruit, pastry cream, dried apricots, canned pineapple, and cloves emerge. The harsh smoke remains predominant, somewhat flattening the overall aroma.
The palate is bitter and pungent as expected, with hints of ginger, black pepper, and cloves that push very pronounced bitter tones. We are far from the sweetness of the contemporary 10yo, with the peated excesses that are also confirmed here, leaning towards the burnt, between wood, asphalt, and pastry, with slight coastal inflections especially noticeable in length. Again, citrus with licorice, burnt espresso, a touch of anise.
Finale not very long where obviously burnt notes prevail, especially of wood, with pronounced salinity, pineapple, dried fruit, licorice.
Review: Incidents can still bring something good, personally this is not the case, with a very unbalanced and monotonous drink, that tells little and leaves even less. Not unpleasant, but considering the price, rather negligible.
Vote: 82/100