Another go at the mighty Laphroaig Cask Strength bottlings, this time Batch 006 (February 2014 bottling date). Matured 10 years in ex-bourbon barrels, bottled at a hefty 58% ABV (116 proof!). I've reviewed this twice before, with very positive things to say both times. I have no doubt this will go the same way. Shout out to Lion's Liquors in Petworth, Washington DC, where I found this.
Nose: Wow, you can put the glass across the room and still nose this one. With the glass closer to your face, you get an initial rush of wood smoke and thereafter almost all maritime notes - anchovies, sea salt, brine, and iodine. A lot of ocean in the nose. After some time in the glass, lemon custard emerges, and some faint grassy/floral notes.
Mouthfeel: Exceedingly oily and thick. Viscous, almost.
Palate: Big, bright lemon candy opens, followed by gigantic peat and vanilla, plus those big maritime notes, then the wood smoke. Big and concentrated and aggressive - this is one assertive dram. Despite that, each individual flavor is fairly nuanced. A warming alcohol burn on the back end. That citrus flavor is delightful.
Finish: Very long, smoke and wood tannins extend into the far distance.
Verdict: Another winner from Laphroaig... I think I prefer batch 009 a liiiiiittle more, but this is great, great whisky - I wouldn't want to live on the difference, as they say. Adding water didn't bring out any new flavors, and somewhat ruined the finish, so despite the high ABV, I recommend this one neat.
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