Laphroaig PX Cask is a travel retail whisky expression and the first of the Laphroaig single malts to be matured in ex Pedro Ximenez sherry casks.
Much like Laphroaig Triple Wood, Laphroaig PX Cask is triple matured in different types of barrels which gives the whisky a layered character. Maturation first takes place in ex Bourbon casks, followed by a Quarter Cask and is lastly finished in Pedro Ximenez sherry casks.
Bottled at 48% ABV, Laphroaig PX Cask is a no age statement whisky. Rich gold in colour, it has a good measure of medicinal peat, some vanilla and sherry aromas along with sweetness of raisins. The aroma is not as peated as Laphroaig 10 year old and a little nose burn is detected from the higher ABV.
On first sip, it tingles ever so slightly on the tongue then explodes with the classic Laphroaig peat character with a dark red fruit sweetness and spice mid-palate before it finishes long, dry and salty enticing you to take another sip.
The single malt achieves a synergy between the characteristic smoky and salty notes and the sherry and ripe red fruit sweetness. This is an intensely flavoured dram, full-bodied and layered with an oily mouthfeel and a long lingering finish that satisfies.
Laphroaig PX Cask is sold in travel retail in 1 litre bottles.
This article was originally published on February 11, 2015 on our sister website Gourmantic.