In the glass, an exquisite shimmery auburn colour.

On the nose, initial notes of sweet honeyed and aromatic smokiness reminiscent of BBQ charsiew pork. As the aromas open up a little, fruits begin showing up: dominant notes of raisins, strawberry jam and cherry jam with some trailing notes of caramelised apples and pear.

Once again, this does not prick your nose at all even if inhaled directly. The rich and heavy aromas of smoke and honeyed sweetness form a protective coat over the sharper notes.

A minute of swirling in your Glencairn glass brings out more smoke and medicinal notes. Smoke increases in intensity and now has more oaky charred wood character with some notes of rosemary, some notes of soy sauce, some iodine and minor notes of seaweed. There is also a bit of leartheriness present in a new Mercedes-Benz. The smokey aroma is overall quite savoury, a cross between BBQ bacon and Brand’s Chicken Essence.

The distinctive smokiness and medicinal notes that Laphroaig is known for are still here but less assertive. The sherry maturation has added quite a bit of richness and roundness, smoothened the rougher edges and removed the sharpness. Very well integrated sherry notes.

On the palate, very sweet and rich in flavour with a velvety and viscous texture. As soon as this dram touches the tongue, it coats the palate and exerts a honeyed sweetness similar to beeswax. Dominant notes of mossy, salty and ashy smoke mixed with substantial dark Vietnamese coffee and chocolatey notes and some roasted sunflower seeds (瓜子). This is followed by a chewy layer of sweet dried fruits, with raisins, dried cranberries and strawberry jams.

The whisky is defined by leading notes of smoke and dried fruits, but underneath there is some brightness of sweet orchard fruits, with caramelised apples, peaches and a very slight nail varnish note.

With another sip, the nuanced oaky notes become discernible with vanilla, pencil shavings and pistachio.

The sherry finish balances out the sharper and spicier notes, adds some complexity and viscosity and adds a pleasant note of dried fruits.

The finish, is long and sweet with drying smoke, a lingering umami character in soy sauce and Brand’s Chicken Essence, and faint notes of cinnamon spice.