Laphroaig PX, 48% abv.

A popular travel retail bottling typical sold in 1L bottles. Supposedly aged in "American oak" (which I believe is an American oak bourbon barrel), then in quarter casks, and then finished in PX sherry casks. Depending on times, it could be a triple cask expression. Always thought this was a good one; very affordable and quite balanced. I initially opened the bottle a few months ago, so these notes are sort of a consolidation of two tastings.

Nose: a fresh bottle is moderate smoke, light peat, sweet, fruit juice. After a few months (closed and in the cannister), there is more malt present but not significant, peat smoke is a little stronger, but overall the aromas are lighter than a freshly opened bottle.

Palate: light to medium bodied, initial palate is a little malty, sweet, mid palate is noticeably sweet juice, back palate is peaty and smokey, light burnt rubber, tar. Tastes pretty good, slightly peated light fruit juice to be honest, and surprisingly balanced. After a few months (closed and in the cannister), the sweeter/juice flavors seemed to have disappeared but the back palate is still peaty and smokey but not strong as before, burnt rubber, tar on pavement. Seems to have changed/diminished significantly.

Finish: medium to long, dry peat, some smoke, tar, pork bones, burnt plastic, burnt rubber, same before and several months later.

I opened this bottle a few months ago and I thought it was delicious; thought it was a solid B. Now the flavors and experience has significantly subsided.

Grade: C+ (B for first pour)

Whiskyanalysis.com, 8.81 ± 0.56 on 17 reviews
Whiskyfun.com, Serge, sgp:546, 82 points for 1L b.2013 version
Malt maniacs, 88 points on 5 reviews for 1L bottle
Whisky advocate, Dave Broom, 80 points
Lawhiskeysociety, B+ on 3 reviews
Peatedperfection, Tim Grant, 4.5/5
Malt-review, Jason (whisky_rover), 4/10

Image courtesy of Eric Yee.

Eric Yee

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