Aarrgghh!!

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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."


January 4, 2007 Posted by Terrence Ryan at 1:54 AM

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Comments

Dude. Save some of that. That sounds awesome. Almost worth flying out to Philly for.


Posted by: Ryan Stewart at January 4, 2007 2:35 AM

Man, congratulations on finding out a way to channel the Swamp Thing.


Posted by: Jeff Porten at January 4, 2007 2:34 PM

Aarrgghh Guy! Shhh.. Internet, don't tell Ryan that he can get Laphroaig anywhere.




Posted by: Terrence Ryan at January 4, 2007 5:35 PM

Not seen the Quarter Cask anywhere but Laphroaig 10 yr old is easy enough to get. However, I find the 10 yr old to be pretty harsh. The 15 yr old is wonderful tho' - when you can find it. Enjoy!


Posted by: Sean Corfield at January 5, 2007 1:01 AM

Aarrgghh Guy! I'll keep some around in case you ever come to Philly, Sean.




Posted by: Terrence Ryan at January 5, 2007 8:12 AM

How does one pronounce Laphroaig? Oh maybe I should just follow the link to wikipedia....


Posted by: Casey at January 18, 2007 6:57 PM

You will find that Laphroaig (pronounced la-froig I believe) needs a little bit of water added to taste. Adding water to this single malt makes a *significant* difference to its flavour; it releases some of its pent up anger so to speak. It's not really supposed to be drunk neat.

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 :)


Posted by: Geoff Bowers at January 28, 2007 6:47 PM

Aarrgghh Guy! 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.




Posted by: Terrence Ryan at January 28, 2007 9:01 PM

Hey, dooder

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.


Posted by: mensch at February 23, 2007 2:58 PM

Did you go to Barretts Elementary


Posted by: Rebecca at July 31, 2007 6:12 PM

Aarrgghh Guy! Nope, Our Lady of Grace Regional School.




Posted by: Terrence Ryan at July 31, 2007 10:55 PM

I impression about the best scotch in the world was limited to JW Blue Label. Got introduced to Islay Malts through Lagavulin which I couldn't stand. It was like Iodine or a hospital smell. Then I came across laphroaig which was tough in the beginning but it grew on me. Now I can't drink anything else. Trick is to put some ice cubes and let it melt a little before you drink. It tames the wild side of Islay and after that it is a pleasure.


Posted by: Sanjeev at September 14, 2007 2:43 PM

adulterating single malt scotch, with water or ice (especially cask strength whiskies) is a true cultural crime. do you drink fine cognacs with kool-aid chasers?


Posted by: jacob at September 20, 2007 11:17 PM

Aarrgghh Guy! 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.




Posted by: Terrence Ryan at September 20, 2007 11:25 PM

The only better Laphroaig is the 10 yr. old Cask Strength.


Posted by: Jay Snyder at October 16, 2007 4:48 PM

"adulterating single malt scotch, with water or ice (especially cask strength whiskies) is a true cultural crime. "

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.


Posted by: Frank at December 16, 2007 8:02 PM

I first heard about Laphroaig in one of the "Burglar" novels by Lawrence Block. The protaganist suggested to someone trying the drink for the first time to take tiny sips and by the time you finished the second shot you would be adjusted to the strong flavor. Worked for me! Their ball caps are first rate, too.


Posted by: JAMES SHERIDAN at December 27, 2007 2:45 PM

Just a few drops of water will open up the taste of any single malt. No way 50/50 or ice.


Posted by: Joey Big Time at May 11, 2008 5:15 PM

Posted by Who at May 15, 2008 2:48 PM

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