Laphroaig
My houseguests left a little something when they left: a bottle of Laphroaig Quarter Cask. For those that don't know, it is a single malt scotch which is believed to be one of the more strongly tasting scotches. It's supposed to taste like peat. (Intentionally tasting like decaying vegetation) Additionally, it supposedly it tastes like scotch did 100 years ago.
At first I was apprehensive. The last time I tried Laphroaig I didn't like it, as it tasted like suffering. But that was not the Laphroaig Quarter Cask.
This time, it's not that bad, maybe it was my older palate. Maybe it was the whole 100 years ago thing. Maybe I like the taste of peat.
I'm glad Janice is asleep though. She doesn't like when I come to bed smelling like cigar. I can't imagine her reaction to "peat moss breath."
Comments
Shhh.. Internet, don't tell Ryan that he can get Laphroaig anywhere.
I'll keep some around in case you ever come to Philly, Sean.
With respect to the peat taste.. its actually a kelp taste you are looking for. All single malts (at least in Scotland/Ireland) are peaty -- the Laphroaig difference is that storms throw seaweed onto the shore which forms part of the peat the water filters through. With a little water added you should be able to literally smell the sea.
Hopefully that helps :)
Thanks for the notes, Geoff, I'll keep a nostril out for the sea scent. And I did try the splash of water. It tells you to try it that way right on the bottle.
Haven't checked the blog in a while. Glad to read that you enjoyed the sea kelp booze. To be quite honest, I had no idea what I was buying, but it looked interesting. Figured there was no harm in trying something new. If there is any left, perhaps we can sample a little during our next scotch and cigar night.
Nope, Our Lady of Grace Regional School.
Actually Jacob, at least with Laphroaig, you're supposed to add a little bit of water to it. The little booklet in the bag even said so.
Actually, this is how it is drunk in Scotland, mixed 50/50 with water. Ideally it should be the same water used to make the whisky; barring that any spring water will do.
This opens up the whiskey. Swirl it in the glass to allow the water to 'open' up the flavors and aromas and then sip and swirl in the mouth, enjoying the aroma along with the flavor.
It is highly preferred that it be drunk 'neat' or without ice. However, enjoy it any way you like and if ice mellows it out, then by all menas add ice. With ice you put the whiskey in an 8 ounce tumbler. Without ice it's drunk in a smaller whiskey glass that looks a lot like a miniature wine glass. Real whiskey drinkers scoff the ice drinkers but when you're at home alone, who knows.
The Laphroig website has a great set of videos that explain the making of their whiskey. Go to www.laphroaig.com. Enter your birthday (over 21) and then click on the "Our Distillery" tab. Then click on the "coninue tour" button and watch the series of videos by clicking on the picture of John Campbell.
but p-l-e-a-s-e
here in Scotland our national drink is spelt "whisky", without an "e"
the Irish, Canadian and US spirit is spelt "whiskey".
The url below will clarify any doubts you may have about the pronunciation:
http://www.howjsay.com/index.php?word=laphroaig
Posted by: Ryan Stewart at January 4, 2007 2:35 AM