Laphroaig 30, Edition 4, Hunter Laing The Kinship, 142/165, 53.6% abv.

The Kinship series was started and selected by Jim McEwan to celebrate the construction of Hunter Laing's Ardnahoe distillery. Ardnahoe was a big thing because it was another "new" distillery on Islay with a popular cast of characters. The first releases included Ardbeg 26, Bowmore 25, Bunnahabhain 28, Caol Ila 33, Laphroaig 30, and Port Ellen 34 in 2017.

Nose: initially soap, then scented soap, and finally vanilla. Did I just smell a new bottle transition into the new world?

Palate: medium to full bodied, front is smooth and sweet, caramel, mid palate is wood and peat smoke, back palate is wood and peat smoke and some chocolate, also seems to release a scented candle type of aroma. This is quite an amazing flavor set.

Finish: medium, chocolate, caramel, light hints of wood, drying with time.

Very, very impressive! I thought it was well balanced, chocolate and vanilla flavors took the lead once in the mouth, a little smooth, soooo much better than the standard 30. I am genuinely shocked since many online reviews do not like this one. I initially thought it was mellowed sherry chocolate, but after a few sips I felt it was an issue of bringing out the proper flavors at the right time of the tasting. Also a newly opened bottle so I don't know whats up. Can't believe other reviewers scored this lower than the Kinship Caol Ila 33.

Grade: A

Whiskyfun.com, Serge, sgp:556, 88 points
Scotch whisky, Dave Broom, 87

Image courtesy of Eric Yee.

Eric Yee

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