Holy Smokes!

I've learned from the "Friends of Laphroaig" newsletter that Laphroaig Cask Strength is now being bottled with a batch number, and bottling date, thanks to a mandate instated by the Scotch Whisky Association.
From Laphroaig: "This means the ABV will vary from batch to batch, changing the flavor slightly and making each batch a unique expression in its own right - each will impart a nose and taste no different than the very moment it was recovered from the barrel."

Most interesting indeed. I can't wait to get my hands on some. Notes on the first arrival:

Batch 1 Facts
ABV: 57.8%/115.6 proof
Batch Date: February 2007
Tasting Notes: A full blast of massive peat smoke and seashore salt leads to a fading sweetness at the finish.
Batch Quantity: 5,100 bottles
Availability: Wherever Cask Strength is sold.

Laphroaig Quarter Cask Flapjack

This little gem comes directly from Laphroaig's Facebook page...

Laphroaig Quarkter Cask Flapjack

350 grams Butter
175 grams Syrup
175 grams Sugar
600 grams Porridge Oats
75 ml QUARTER CASK Laphroaig

1 - Melt Butter, Syrup and Sugar in a pan. Bring to boil for 20-30 seconds.

2 - Let mixture cool for around 30 seconds and add 50ml QUARTER CASK and mix well.

3 - Add the melted mixture to the Porridge Oats.

4 - Mix well until evenly mixed.

5 - Add the remaining 25ml QUARTER CASK and mix in

6 - Turn out onto a large baking tray and flatten out until even - flapjacks should be around 1cm thick

7 - Place in preheated oven at 170 C for 25-30 minutes.

8 - Take out of oven and cut into pieces. Remove from tray ONLY once cooled.

9 - ENJOY!

Looks like I know what I'll be having for breakfast this weekend.

Laphroaig 15yr spotted

Was out and about in Minneapolis over the weekend and swung into a small place called Mission. Was in the mood for a smoke-out, and ordered up a Lagavulin after seeing the bottle perched up among the other scotches. After sipping on that for a while, I flipped through their bar menu only to notice that they have Laphroaig 15yr on their menu -- I asked the bartender if this menu was current, and/or, did they still have some in stock. They sure did, and she sarcastically poured up a very generous pour. Score.

Holiday Inventory Update

Apparently the word is out that a good Scotch makes my [day]. Received a few bottles as gifts over the holidays, including the spanking new Laphroaig 18 which is sweetly smooth like the soon to be gone 15yr, but packs more of that authentic Laphroaig punch - it's bottled at the same ABV as the Quarter Cask too.
Huge thanks to all! Updated inventory:

Auchentoshan Select
Auchentoshan Classic
Balvenie 12yr Signature, Batch 1
Glen Garrioch 10yr
Glenfiddich 18yr
Glenlivet 15yr French Oak
Glenlivet 16yr Nadurra
Johnny Walker Red Label
Lagavulin 16yr
Laphroaig 15yr
Laphroaig 18yr
Laphroaig Quarter Cask
Talisker 10yr

Scotch Heaven!

Heaven on Earth? You be the judge.

I went out with some trader types in lower Manhattan (Tribeca) to a hard to spot joint called The Brandy Library. Walls filled with every imaginable iteration of every scotch I've tried or wanted to try. Hundreds of bottles line the walls and there are no duplicates -- I asked. I highly recommend a visit if you're in New York City.

I ordered a Laphroaig 15 but too bad they were out AND was informed that it will no longer be produced as the distiller plans to release the 18. So STOCK UP!!! Went with the Laphroaig Cask Strength and ordered a Cragganmore 12 for my new pal Willie. High five Willie for bringing me to this place.

Cheers

Erik, 40yr single malt.

Happy 40th birthday to Erik (on Saturday)! He was out of town, but Chris and I celebrated anyways with a pair of Laphroaigs at the Indy. Quite the healthy pour, might I add.

Sorry about the belated post. The celebration was johnny on the spot though.

Laphroaig and a Steak

Fired up the grill for the first time this season. Tossed a couple thick steaks on and torched em up perfectly ... accompanied my steak with a short pour of Laphroaig Quarter Cask. It's a perfect marriage of smoke and meat. I think the only way it could have been better would have been if I still had some Longrow left over from the bottle I received for Christmas.
Laphroaig and Longrow are currently tops on my list, with the slight edge going to Laphroaig, simply because Longrow is just too expensive to keep around all of the time - although I'm pretty impressed with myself ... for as good as Longrow tastes, I was able to stretch the last bottle I had from Christmas up until the late days of February. Trust me, that was a hard thing to do.

Currently in stock...

My scotch supply is running low. Down to less than 8 fingers of my Glenmorangie 10, and my Bowmore 12. Doing my best to preserve my Laphroiag Quarter Cask ... which is proving to be difficult. It really does get much better than that, yet...