Laphroaig QA Cask (Quercus Alba) has been around the travel retail market for some time but is well worth revisiting.
Laphroaig QA Cask (QA stands for Quercus Alba, the latin name for American oak) is matured in ex-bourbon casks and then finished in new, uncharred American oak casks. The whisky is bottled at 40% ABV, chill-filtered and bears no age statement.
The single malt is light amber in colour, and on the nose, notes of vanilla, oak and some caramel are dominant. The peat is present but not as strong as other Laphroaig expressions. On the palate, light smoke, caramel and vanilla sweetness are on the entry which then yield to hints of spice with black pepper notes. The finish is mellow, medium in length and doesn’t give the same lingering salty and medicinal/iodine notes of Laphroaig 10 and Laphroaig Quarter Cask.
This is a softer Laphroaig with a sweeter and more oaky character. It certainly lacks the punch and peat of Laphroaig PX Cask and Laphroaig An Cuan Mor. Die hard Laphroaig fans may find it a little underwhelming but it has its place for a newcomer wishing to try something a little different.
This article was originally published on August 27, 2015 on our sister website Gourmantic.
