Laphroaig Cairdeas 2021 Pedro Ximenez Casks Review
As you may have read in our first post on Islay Whisky Reviews, Laphroaig is the first Islay whisky I was lucky enough to try. It will always have a special place in my heart. I wanted to make sure to showcase how versatile of a whisky it is, which is why we are going to review Laphroaig’s 2021 Cairdeas release aged in ex-bourbon, quarter, and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks.
At cask strength, a dram of this packs a punch. For those unfamiliar, the term cask strength refers to how the whisky’s ABV has not been altered in a significant way since it was removed from the cask it was aged in. This is why this whisky is a bit on the stronger side, so definitely be aware before diving in.
What impresses me most about Laphroaig’s limited releases is how accessible and reasonably priced they are even on the secondary market. As with any smaller batch release, some of them you will like and some you won’t, but it’s nice not having to look so hard or feel guilty about splurging for something you have not had the chance to try.
So while we wait to get our hands on the latest Cairdeas release aged in white port and madeira casks, which sounds amazing, we will take a look back at this equally impressive sounding bottle from 2021.
The Basics
Casks: ex-Bourbon, Quarter cask, and Pedro Ximenez sherry
ABV: 58.9%
Color: Mahogany
Nose: Cherry, pastry, wood
Cost: $99.99
Purchased at: Sky’s Beverage Depot
Taste
The first sip is a bit of a tease as it comes in a bit tart like you will get a cherry flavor, but what you end up with is dried fruit and spice. I would say the palate is raisins and a light amount of cinnamon that very nicely finishes with a stronger spice flavor and peat. It is not as peaty as I would expect from Laphroaig, but I think the more subtle smokiness is a better compliment to the sweeter notes.
If you have ever had Bruichladdich’s ROCK’NDAAL 01.2, it is a very similar flavor profile but slightly sweeter.
Neat or With Water
This dram greatly benefits from some water added to it. I went with about 3 drops and found it helps to subdue the cask strength ABV and showcase the sweeter notes. It’s just not the smoothest whisky to drink neat, and the cask strength nature of it makes it hard to showcase the interesting flavors it provides.
Summary
The price and accessibility of this whisky make it worth a try on its own, but it’s also a really great tasting one as well. I usually do not love cask strength whiskies, and I also had reservations about Laphroaig working well with sweeter casks. When I think Laphroaig, I think of an earthy, rugged, campfire taste from beginning to end that might not easily compliment sweeter flavors, but I can say confidently that this is one of my favorite whiskies.
I would very happily get another bottle of this one and have it as a go-to whisky. However, I will say drinking it neat was not the best representation of this release. I think it definitely needs some water to make it special, but definitely experiment with it and find the right amount, if any at all, for you.
Hopefully we will get a chance to see the latest Cairdeas from Laphroaig soon, but this one will keep us plenty happy until then.