Birthday Islay Tasting

[MacMullen]

I was down to my buddy's house in the Eau Claire, WI area for his birthday, plus, prototyping our skin on frame kayak kit. All three of us being leaseholders at the Laphroaig distillery, we decided to have a single malt tasting with the Islay whisky that we had on hand.

Unfortunately, no kilts involved, just great single malt. We had Laphroaig 10 year old, Bowmore Legend, and McClelland's Islay. Someone can correct me if I'm mistaken, but I think McClelland's is made at the Bowmore distillery.

We downloaded the Tasting Pack from the Laphroaig website and used that as the guide for our tasting.

I was hoping to post my tasting notes, but wasn't able to find them in the mess of papers from that week. What I can remember is that all three had almost identical color. But that was the only rating that they tied on.

No big surprise. The Laphroaig came up on the winning end. McClelland's beat Bowmore on all three of our tasting notes, which surprised me, as McClelland's is an off-brand. Of course, McClelland's also beats Bowmore on price, which is a nice plus.

Mark's birthday - toasting the array of single malts.


Testing the Palate.


Checking my palate.

[MacMullen]

Rob checks the color.


And has a taste. Rob is the McDonald that I named my Highland Oatmeal Stout for.


Toasting the camera.

[David Thornton]

I decided this would be an appropriate weekend to try Laphroaig. I can only say that it must be an aquired taste.
The oily after taste was more than I could stand. The smokey bouquet was nice though.
Did you guys just immediatly like it, or is it an aquired appreciation over time?
Or is it fashonable to declare a liking for the stuff?
David

[MacMullen]

I tried a wide range of single malts before I finally broke down and purchased a bottle of Laphroaig. It's the best Islay I've had, although, I do like McClelland's Islay almost as much, and find that it's a better casual whisky than Laphroaig. I don't mean just the price, but the overall presentation as well.

Laphroaig does have a stong presentation when I take a sip and it's almost too much to take in at once. I don't have to think as hard when I drink McClelland's. Don't know if that makes sense, but take it for what it's worth.

[GMan]

What a great birthday tradition, may have to star one like that myself.

[macwilkin]

I decided this would be an appropriate weekend to try Laphroaig. I can only say that it must be an aquired taste.
The oily after taste was more than I could stand. The smokey bouquet was nice though.
Did you guys just immediatly like it, or is it an aquired appreciation over time?
Or is it fashonable to declare a liking for the stuff?
David

It is an acquired taste, at least in my own experience. I did not care for it the first time I tried it, but I kept trying it and it grew on me. I must admit that I will always be a Macallan supporter, Laphroaig is my favourite Islay.

Cheers,

Todd

[Rob Wright]

Try adding a spalsh of cool spring water to the Lapgroig, I find that just a splash takes the initial rush down just enough to not overpower the palate.



Rob

[MacMullen]

Try adding a spalsh of cool spring water to the Lapgroig, I find that just a splash takes the initial rush down just enough to not overpower the palate.
Rob

I agree. After we rated the color, we added a splash of water to each glass of single malt to help to release the aromas and the flavors.

My philosophy on adding a touch of water is this: The distillery is interested in selling whisky. If I add water, my bottle lasts longer. This is not in the distillery's best interest. Therefore, if the distillery suggests that I add water, there must be a good reason for it.

[calmac]

Laphroaig is a whisky that grows on you - thats my excuse anyway. Personally I don't add water but I am told that by just adding a small amount then you release the aroma. I think that I will go and try it now - make a nice midday break.

Patrick :-D

[Graham]

Good piccies, thanks for them (even if they DO make me thirsty).

I'm still trying to decide whether I like laphroaig or ardbeg better, right now I think laphroaig has the edge.

heck like is tough having to decide these big issues