Laphroaig 21-year-old

Name: Laphroaig 21-year-old
Brand: Laphroaig
SKU: 70596
Rating: 90.13 (483 reviews)

Overall rating: 90.13/100
votes: 483

Whiskybase ID: WB70596
Category: Single Malt
Distillery: Laphroaig
Bottler: Distillery Bottling
Bottling serie: Friends of Laphroaig
Vintage: 1993
Bottled: 2015
Stated Age: 21 years old
Casktype: 1st Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrels
Strength: 48.4 % Vol.
Size: 350 ml
Bottle code: L516957A
Barcode: 5010019637932
Bottled for: Friends of Laphroaig Ballot
Added on: 28 jul 2015 1:59 pm by Erik Elixir

Average value

€ 372.33

Found 7 online shops. Lowest price:

€ 199.00

	Monnier - whiskytime.ch	CHF 300.00

	World of Whisky Australia	AUD$ 675.00

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Whisky Reviews for Laphroaig 21-year-old

81 users have left a review for this whisky and scored it an average of 90.13 points

rottendon scored this whisky 94 points
05 aug 2015 6:00 pm
Of course, such an expensive malt for a special event raises certain expectations, no question. Since I could not gain access to the flavors at first, despite hours of hiding, disappointment was already spreading. I had not expected anything. All the greater then the wonder that the whisky could still deliver, and how! He's one of the best balanced whiskys I've ever had in my glass. At first, I thought he would like two, three percent more alcohol, but at first I'd literally have broken it off.
Is he worth his money? Hard to say, yes, but everyone has to make that up with himself.
Thanks again to the forum member who freely shared his bottle brought from the island.

Nose

First, it begins with strong phenolic, but steamed smoke and clear citrus notes. After that, a strong sunstroke note develops, which develops into a strongly acidic Camphernote, and dominates everything for a while. Only then do you get some salt, vanilla and caramel, as well as leather. The sour notes vanish completely except for the still extremely strong citrus notes. He needs an awful lot of time in the glass. Then warms up very minerally, moist rock and iodine. Incredibly hard to get access to the flavors. It really has to flow over the palate, and then suddenly they are there, dark notes, caramelized red fruits, furniture polish, ripe oranges, caramel sweets, Ricola Swiss herbal sugar, the nose is now in constant change.

Taste

After the closed nose, a bit of disappointment spreads first, and the expectation is very muted. Far from it: ripe smoke, toffee, some salt and a fabulous note of sweet, liquid block malt, in addition wonderfully citrusy notes and a tart sweetness, which climbs up on the palate and settles in the upper oral cavity. Wow, I did not expect that anymore. This sweetness is for me then the best thing about the malt. Unfortunately, I do not have a taste definition for it, it does not remind me of anything, it's just good. Laphroaig 21 FoL maybe? ;-)

Finish

Dark malty it sounds, the oak is well integrated. The finish is ultra-long even for Laphroaig. The sweet malt still swings on the ashes for a while, before it glows slightly salty on the tongue for ever.
tfarrenkothen scored this whisky 95 points
18 sep 2015 12:18 am
If this malt is worth its price, why is it being sold in these almost pretty bottles? Any questions that go through your head. I can only speak for myself and clearly say that he is worthy of me, I'm glad I took a bottle with me directly at the distillery. For me, malt is one of the best I've ever tasted. Of course, I'm a bit biased regarding this drop, I've tried it nunmal in the Brenneier the first time. I found him there super and connect with the malt many beautiful memories of a holiday. But that's what it's all about, if a dram invites you to dream and kidnap you in your memories, it's something special for you personally.

Nose

In anticipation of a typical Laphroaig I hang my nose in the glass. In addition to the typical Laphroaig character with a decent dose of peat, iodine and the maritime sea flavor is waiting for a true fruit bomb. Tropical fruits like pineapple, sweet mangoes & juicy honeydew melon make up a unit with smoke. Likewise, I get a slightly fresh feeling in the nose, something like mint or even anise. I feel moved back to Islay, to the magical place where I tried this great malt for the first time. After some time in the glass and with the resignation of the smoke, the sea flavors and associations typical of me, which accompany every malt of this distillery, come to the fore. The longer I devote myself to this malt the more detailed the picture becomes in my head. Memories reminiscing, I can quite a bit of leather and also suspect oak. It's like sitting back in Laphroaig, in one of the comfy armchairs, in the Visitor Center, looking out the window at one of the windows.

Taste

At the first sip, my mouth is watering. It is unmistakably a Laphroaig, but different. He is tamed, mature and knows a complexity that I do not know so from Laphroaig yet. First of all, the powerful smoke greets me, but this quickly escapes and lets through the wonderful potpourri of fruits. I think the already smelled mangoes and the pineapple again. Added to this, along with a malty sweetness, a decent portion of oak. The oak leaves me pretty quickly, but from far away, there is a hint of smoke.

Finish

I really do not want to let go of this dram. For a very long time, the malt keeps on the tongue. A slight dryness and a touch of bitter it sticks to the palate. The fruitiness continues here, so I have a fruit compote of mango, pineapple and a wonderful malt sweetness in the mouth for a very long time. With this malt I feel like the island, he just does not want to let me go. He holds on tight and makes you want more.
hs305 scored this whisky 90 points
06 may 2017 1:39 pm

[October, 2015] I had this dram during an "Laphroaig Bicentenary" tasting at Bonn.

In my old rating system (ten scales that translate into WB points: 50 - 66 - 75 - 80 - 82,5 - 85 - 87,5 - 90 - 92,5 - 95) I scored it 90. My notes state a beautiful fruity profile on ripe bananas and pineapples. It swims like a flat iron (water is not needed!).
Owidram scored this whisky 92 points
04 jun 2016 2:06 pm

This is close to Islay perfection.

As you nose it, you understand it's going to be something special. Fruity and peaty, with a stunning depth and complexity.

Then the taste, is lifting up and you have these tropical fruits mixed with citrus and saltiness. Whaoooh. Fills all you mouth with something very living which is reacting over the palate.

Finish is OK, but it might be the weak point for me because when you have all this .. You never want the finish to end.

To end, there has been lots of complaints about the price. And I must admit I thought it was overpriced too. But now I've been tasting it different times, I must admit it is well worth its price.
LDB scored this whisky 91 points
18 dec 2019 8:32 pm
The sample leaves me totally enthusiastic, still very meaningful and aromatic thanks to first fill, and the age makes something very fine out of this malt.

Nose

91 91

Slightly ashy smoke, lots of fruit and the inevitable hospital - without phenols it wouldn't be Laphroaig!
Rich yellow, intensely fragrant fruits from ripe lemon to honeydew melon with Parma ham - very tasty!
The mixture is completed by oil colors, Icelandic moss and aromatic alpine herbs as well as great licorice notes over time.

Taste

92 92

Silky-oily with a little black pepper at first, then after I have blown some ash from the beech log in the fireplace, the fruits come through again, peu a peu, very subtle and delicious, even elderflower syrup is included. Balanced mouthfeel, very successful.

Finish

90 90

Gently pulsating, the ripe fruits in brine are accompanied by delicate smoke - in a word: long, delicate finish!
dRambo scored this whisky 91 points
01 sep 2019 8:40 pm
Nose

92 92

Discreet residual smoke meets delicious fruit flavors - incredibly clean yellow exotic fruits

Taste

91 91

Banana, pineapple, vanilla, panna cotta, mint, lemon balm, salt, licorice, citrus

Finish

90 90
sagara-kun scored this whisky 90 points
24 may 2022 12:29 am
Very good Laphroaig, fruitier than I remember.
Tasted a third bottle.

Nose

90 90

Big ashy peat, lemony, with a big dose of camphor.
Turpentine, bandage, medicinal.
Lemon and orange zest.
White pepper.

Taste

90 90

Still in the mouth, this peat, with a lot of graphite.
Camphor, pepper, medicinal, eucalyptus, mint.
Nice fruitiness, with orange, a little kumquat, starfruit.

Finish

89 89

Long and powerful finish on peat, graphite, pepper, candied lemon.
Astrid scored this whisky 89 points
14 feb 2022 11:42 pm
Lots of yellow fruits go well with the maritime character of this malt. The smoke seems a bit out of sync. For the full review go here: https://keinehalbendrinks.de/2022/02/14/evolution-of-laphroaig/

Nose

90 90

Taste

90 90

Finish

88 88
sagara-kun scored this whisky 90 points
05 oct 2018 1:20 am
05/10/2018: pleasant but I expected it to be a little more complex.

09/11/2021: much more exotic, mango, papaya, creamy. Pepper. In the mouth a little tired on the other hand.

Nose

88 88

Ash peat. Eucalyptus. Pencil lead. A veil of grapefruit.

Taste

88 88

On the palate, caramel, cold ash, barbecue, a little yellow fruit and white grape juice. Mint.

Finish

88 88

Final on ash, pear, mint. Long and soft.
Gaija scored this whisky 90 points
06 sep 2017 1:17 pm
Very well done all-around but I might have expected more. While very pleasing and spontaneous, it lacks complexity and the finish is slightly disappointing. On the other hand, for what concerns "simple", efficient versions of the tropical fruit + peat combo, it doesn't get much better than that nowadays (for a 21yo OB, that is). The especially good arrival in that regard lifts it to 90. Probably too expensive.

Nose

Smoked mango comes right away, mingling with shoe polish, paprika ... a fruity, bourbony Laphroaig indeed. Smoked pulco, pineapple, brine and acidic berries aplenty, integrated smoke. Fresh yet quite masculine : the typical band-aid comes later on. Smoked grapefruit peel, guimauve, then becomes more and more vegetal on nettle, various fruits vinegars (it's very vinegary in a good way, very close to the 15yo 200th anniversary in that regard, only fruitier and more spontaneous). Burning some wet green wood. Great, easy to understand, yet not terrificaly complex either.

Taste

The arrival is quite brilliant I admit : the proof is just ok and the bright, juicy fruity profile when it hits the tongue is just adorable. Pineapple and mango shine for a second, redcurrant (or any acidic berry actually, can't really point it out), soon to be replaced by an extremely saline smokiness. Settles on salty soot, bitter oranges and various vegetal notes again, while the salty-fruity background remains.

Finish

On a bitter and vegetal fruitiness again, with that same smoke of wet green wood as before, but it seems to have grown oakier here : plum stone, ginger, thuja ... yep, a bit woodier indeed. But some typical Laphroaiginess remains : soot, smoked salt, even touches of mustard. Not especially long, it doesn't bring anything significant to the table.
magic_slim scored this whisky 90 points
21 apr 2017 7:31 pm
Superb Laphroaig - recommended.

Nose

Sweet and fresh with peat & smoke, lemons and zesty aromas at first nosing. Lots of sweet and ripe citrus fruits ... lemons and oranges.

Taste

Surprisingly powerful considering the 48.4%, very juicy and tasty. Lots of peat of course with pepper, sweet lemons and oranges. Decent notes of liquorice and oak n the background.

Finish

Very long and peaty with a delicate spicyness.
peatbogger scored this whisky 93 points
19 may 2016 10:30 pm
Better than the 18yo, but not sure it's worth the difference in price.

Nose

First a bit closed, but opens up beautifully

Very mild peat, some salt and sea, vanilla sweetness, spices like cinamon and ginger.

I can't find any trace of the distinct medicinal caracter of Laphroaig

Taste

Warm honey sweetness, initial short shot of pepper, peat is about as the nose indicated, fat roasted walnuts, orange citrus freshness, also some darker fruit and blackcurrant

Finish

Sweet with gentle smoke and a light return of the pepper.

Long and very well ballanced.
checkpointuk scored this whisky 90 points
13 may 2016 1:25 pm

http://kaypingers-whiskyblog.de/frontend/fullarticle.php?id=208 Color: pale gold
Nose: Full vanilla flavors with fruity lime, grapefruit, honey and sugar. The high salt content, combined with leathery aromas and rather passive peat smoke fits quite well into the picture. Sparkling fresh and tasty to bite!
Taste: Sweet, peaty and very smoky. Gooseberry, honeydew melon, green apple and hints of grapefruit make the malt stand on the palate. Caramel, cereals, some wood and notes of smoking ashes complete the taste.
Finish: Medium long - with dominating sweet citrus freshness and only weak spiciness. Dry wood and still fading with a strong peat content.
Note: For us the best bottling for the 200th anniversary!
90 points (nose: 90 / taste: 91 / finish: 89)
ASWhisky scored this whisky 88 points
12 nov 2015 10:26 pm
an always welcome dram
Honestly? > I had expected much more from this 21y Laphroaig in miniature bottle

Nose

the bourbon barrel
nice with herbs, vanilla and caramel
in the background hovers some glue, which combines with bright sweetness
the sweetish medicinal smoke remains pleasant
a tart marzipan / almond note
Woodruff cool and smooth

Taste

Cool and smooth is the start
green herbs, sweetish woodruff
quite a bit alcoholic
bitter wood with sweet caramel in tension
the smoke develops late on the palate, intense and phenolic
there are woody notes, bitter with medical feeling

Finish

long
Herbs
phenol
medical, bitter wood notes
sweet caramel
Towards the end lukewarm wood ash and getting better
Kantenmechaniker scored this whisky 94 points
20 oct 2015 9:22 pm
Wow, completely different from the many Laphis lately, totally fruity, complex. There is a lot inside to discover. One of my favorite whiskys currently!

Nose

Very fruity, light smoke, malty, really fresh, mint, clearly grapefruit, some pineapple, sweet artificial cherry, a hint of cinnamon and vanilla, oak comes through every now and then, milk chocolate and coffee are still to be found.

Taste

First sweet cherry, very fruity, coffee on the edge and behind the mouth, the grapefruit is more and more, much oak is with it and old leather, slightly smoky, overall very strong and oily

Finish

Dry oak, bitter grapefruit notes hold, the smoke is stubborn to find in the mouth
Tommyknocker scored this whisky 91 points
05 sep 2015 10:47 pm
a completely different than usual, very fruity Laphroaig. The basic character is there, but is complemented by a tropical fruit cocktail. Terrific!

Nose

Expectation: smoke, iodine, salt, sweet bourbon barrel. The truth: fruit bomb! Sure, there's Laphroaig, there's a decent flock of peat and iodine and salt. But above all flowery fruits float like a mature Speysider, Glen Keith perhaps? The smoke also brings a fresh mint note with it, goes great with it. The fruits I would describe as green bananas, honeydew melon, pineapple and a lot of mango. Almost like a good crafted India Pale Ale.

Taste

Here comes more Laphroaig over, but after a small smoke explosion again much fruit, mango and orange. then a decent load of oak and more and more comes back to the peat. Then something like fennel and chicken soup, cereals, rye bread. Very varied.

Finish

long, fruity, ash, oak.
SteveW110 scored this whisky 86 points
01 sep 2015 10:39 pm
Great Laphi!
Wonderfully balanced and yet his character is unmistakable!
Great malty Bourbon sweetie!
Reminds strongly of the old 25iger from 2013.
- Nose
  
  90 90
- Taste
  
  85 85
- Finish
  
  88 88
Archer scored this whisky 90 points
20 aug 2015 8:51 pm
A very, very round Malt! From the nose to the palate to the finish, he keeps the balance between peat and fruit, without tipping away in between. No metallic notes, no fainting in the finish: great!

Nose

Smoke that gets milder surprisingly fast. From the beginning, tropical fruits (pomelo? Mango?). The more the smoke fades into the background, the more present the fruits become. Slightly maritime salinity.

Taste

The start is strong: peat fire, kelp (no longer fresh, but already a little exposed to the sun), sea salt. Next to it very strong tropical fruits. Some pipe tobacco flavor. Old leather as from an old armchair. Oak comes to the fore and disappears again.

Finish

Medium. On the tongue is a tasty peaty salt film, mixed with fruit sweetness. Maltiness comes up. Drying towards the end.
Foamy scored this whisky 95 points
18 jun 2022 9:54 pm

it's a perfect peaty dram. fruity, ashy, peaty, smooth, ... I honestly can't describe it ... it's just perfect. exactly what I want from a peaty dram;.
I can't find any off note or bad point in this dram. This level of perfection is hard to find.
hyc scored this whisky 91 points
22 may 2022 12:22 pm
Nose

91 91

Taste

92 92

Finish

90 90
sphinx scored this whisky 89 points
12 may 2022 5:45 pm
Nose

88 88

Taste

90 90

Finish

90 90
robse211 scored this whisky 92 points
22 apr 2022 10:22 pm
A poem…

Nose

93 93

Taste

92 92

Finish

92 92
malt maniacs scored this whisky 91 points
12 apr 2022 8:50 am
Nose

91 91

Taste

92 92

Finish

91 91
zzqfyl scored this whisky 91 points
30 mar 2022 6:16 pm
Nose

92 92

Taste

91 91

Finish

91 91
VEF206 scored this whisky 90 points
20 mar 2022 9:12 am
Nose

89 89

Taste

90 90

Finish

90 90
geriud scored this whisky 91 points
19 mar 2022 10:47 pm
Nose

91 91

Taste

91 91

Finish

90 90
Whiskyisfordrinking did not rate this whisky
01 sep 2021 10:23 am

Nice citrus freshness, lemons, yes, light smoke, very nice nose, fresh, but without looking young. In the taste then rather iodine aromas, a bit earthy, salty smoke. In the finish, the citrus freshness comes through again and of course the familiar smoke. Yes, I like it very much.
MaltHaus scored this whisky 90 points
12 jul 2021 12:32 pm
Great balance of wood, fruits, feinty and smoke. A true expression of a great Laphroaig character, very well distilled and expressive whisky. Just need to beware the oxidation, do not keep this dram breath for too long.

Nose

91 91

In the glass, the nose is spices driven; such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and cloves, oily, peaches, vanilla and creosote. With a few drops of water added in, this is where the magic starts; fruity of apricots, orange zest, guava, pomelo, pineapples; meaty of ham, bacon and beef jerky; saltiness of brine, smokes, seaweed and shellfishes. Very well refined.

Taste

90 90

The arrival is just juicy I must concede. The relish flavour rolled on the tongue in continuous waves, starting with apricots and spreading out. Then it flow into sweet spices found in the nose, and the meaty profile to continue. With water: iodine, medicinal notes, hospital bed, salt water emerged before washed away by spicy sheen. Leaving warm and lingering smoke.

Finish

90 90

Long. Subtle ashes and lasting smoke, sea salt, ginger and the prolonged tropical fruit notes giving this dram a nice depth, sophisticated finish.
vlad78 scored this whisky 89 points
11 mar 2021 2:15 pm
Sweet, smoky, light, fruity drink.

Nose

90 90

The aromas of melon and apricot on the smoke. Dried apricot, light minerality.

Taste

90 90

The taste is sweet, filled with smoke and all the fruits mentioned above.

Finish

87 87

The aftertaste is sweet, smoky, and calm.
K C Wong scored this whisky 91 points
01 jan 2021 6:17 pm
ConvalRen scored this whisky 88 points
27 nov 2020 5:09 pm
Nose

87 87

Taste

90 90

Finish

86 86
Vince scored this whisky 92 points
30 may 2020 7:18 am

Wow.........what a great Laphroaig. Classic profile, at perfect strength. Excellent complexity.

Tried at the outrageously priced SAWA bar in Tokyo.
dram-drinker scored this whisky 88 points
23 may 2020 10:34 pm
Very creamy and balanced, but somehow also rough and smoky

Nose

88 88

Smoked bacon, beef jerky, cold cigars, soot, ashes, little herbal, hints of honey, and also quite some peat - not bad

Taste

89 89

Very oily, creamy, mellow, just little punchy, subtle sweetness, more smoke and peat, again bacon, beef stock, tobacco, herbal, spices - pretty good

Finish

87 87

Medium long, warm, more herbal
aphex scored this whisky 90 points
15 apr 2020 11:19 pm
Once again the highlight is the nose with its lovely tropical notes but the palate is not far. Very good balance between smoke, medicinal and coastal notes and fruits.
It earns a few more points from my old notes... and I should have kept a bottle.

Nose

91 91

Subtle. Medicinal, coastal, sooty, smoky, light citrusy and tropical notes with grapefruits, melons, pineapples.

Taste

90 90

Smoky, medicinal, creamy, briny, peppery, ashy and fruity with lemons, oranges, grapefruits.
With water even more fruity and spicy.

Finish

90 90

Long, pepper, ashes and brine.
WSP scored this whisky 93 points
11 jan 2020 11:19 pm
medical notes with tropical fruits. Great!

Nose

92 92

Taste

93 93

Finish

93 93
Dris scored this whisky 91 points
07 jan 2020 1:32 am
Nose

91 91

Taste

90 90

Finish

91 91
Whisky-Fancier scored this whisky 92 points
22 dec 2019 11:28 am
Nose

93 93

Taste

92 92

Finish

90 90
Luigisim scored this whisky 89 points
29 mar 2019 8:04 am
Nose

90 90

Lemon and citronella, gently smoked

Taste

89 89

Pepper and mint

Finish

89 89

Smooth and soft
Rom scored this whisky 86 points
26 mar 2019 6:38 pm

Smoke dominates the nose but drier, less oily than the standard Laphroaig. Green wood notes.
Peat moss and coconut with exotic fruits melted, there is the vegetal tip of the nose.
Long, slightly peppery finish that leaves a taste of elderberry / blackcurrant bud in the mouth.
Good but not really my profile, especially the final, not to mention the ratio q / p.
schengel10 scored this whisky 94 points
25 mar 2019 11:19 am
A Laphi, how you could not describe it more beautiful.
Laphi delights his "FoL" with an incredibly successful 21-year-old. The regular 25-year-old (I had the 2015er) has no chance in direct comparison!
A really great, interesting top malt!
[Color gold;

Nose

juicy, fruity, pineapple, mango, honeydew melon, light spiciness, very little smoke;

Taste

intense creamy fruity onset, fruity, juicy, voluminous, fine spiciness, oak, somewhat "ripe" smoke, very complex;

Finish

long, fruity finish; in the end, malty sweetness;
kimmosuo scored this whisky 86 points
22 mar 2019 7:49 pm
schengel10 scored this whisky 94 points
27 feb 2019 8:24 pm
What a great Lappi - leaves the 25-year-old behind!
Unfortunately only had 5 cl - great malt!

[Color] full gold

Nose

93 93

juicy, fruity, pineapple, mango, honeydew melon, light spice, very little smoke;

Taste

95 95

intense creamy fruity onset, fruity, juicy, voluminous, fine spiciness, oak, not very ripe smoke, very complex;

Finish

93 93

long and fruity; a malty sweetness sounds;
Achany scored this whisky 91 points
27 aug 2018 1:16 pm
seaweed, salt, iod, peaty, light smoke, some incredible sweetness, after a while fruity, yellow fruits, after the second sip more fruits, starts even to taste a bit like Bowmore Tempest. tropical? yes! the aromas are really well balanced, a lot of Laphroaig visible for 21 years. fine and long lasting finish. That is some incredible fine Malt. Well done!

Nose

91 91

Taste

92 92

Finish

91 91
Thermidor scored this whisky 88 points
31 jul 2018 4:35 pm

I'm a fan of the nose for its faint note of vinegar meshing with the vanilla and smoke sauna of the 18yo, but on the palate its a bit simple.
glenferry scored this whisky 88 points
03 mar 2018 10:27 am
- Nose
  
  87 87
- Taste
  
  88 88
- Finish
  
  90 90
Dhugal MacArdry scored this whisky 92 points
19 jan 2018 7:06 pm
- Nose
  
  92 92
- Taste
  
  92 92
- Finish
  
  92 92
Talisker_22 scored this whisky 92 points
17 dec 2017 3:17 pm
- Nose
  
  94 94
- Taste
  
  95 95
- Finish
  
  95 95
Gaija scored this whisky 90 points
06 sep 2017 1:20 pm
- Nose
  
  90 90
- Taste
  
  91 91
- Finish
  
  88 88
ctu scored this whisky 90 points
10 jun 2017 8:48 am
Elegant, complex Laphroaig. Matured, but more moderate than the 10 year old Cask Strength.

Nose

Sweet peat, smoke, salted meat, citruses, spicy oak, mint, herbals and iodine

Taste

Creamy. Sweet peat, smoke, salty caramel, peach, citruses, pepper, ginger and spicy oak

Finish

Long with sweet peat and smoke
lincolnimp scored this whisky 89 points
20 may 2017 11:40 pm
- Nose
  
  90 90
- Taste
  
  90 90
- Finish
  
  88 88
lincolnimp scored this whisky 89 points
20 may 2017 11:35 pm
Good whisky but a few off notes for me (putty).

Nose

Peat, pineapple, brine, cola cube sweets, banana,

Taste

Big attack of fruity peat, peaches & cream, pineapple, gooseberry, malted milk biscuits, brine and hotdog notes.

Finish

Approaching medium, with the peat growing and some putty notes.
Andytka3 scored this whisky 87 points
26 nov 2016 1:44 am
N- Nutty, roasted malt, charred wood, cool mint.

P- Gentle, coffee, caramel and sour plum.

F- Long, malt barn,sweet herb smokes. Tinge of spicy lingers with buttery coating.

— at Laphroaig distillery.
- Nose
  
  86 86
- Taste
  
  88 88
- Finish
  
  90 90
ovanpuyvelde scored this whisky 88 points
16 jul 2016 8:55 pm
Still available at the distillery shop at the price of 90£ for a small 350 ml bottle. In my opinion that's very expensive for the offered quality and quantity. Will gladly buy two bottles of 10y Cask Strength instead.
- Nose
  
  88 88
- Taste
  
  89 89
- Finish
  
  88 88
Unclimbability scored this whisky 87 points
02 jun 2016 10:30 pm
Colour: Gold

Body: Full

Nose: Lovely. Perfect balance of tropical fruit and aged peat smoke. Vanilla, toffee, mango, pineapple, apple, an amazing fresh orange note, cinnamon. Medicinal with bandages and sticking plasters, a little mineral, lots of rotting seashore- Kelp, seaweed, sea salt, seashells. Oak developing with aniseed and liquorice.

Water: More soft and gentle. More vanilla and toffee, less fruit. More oak, chocolate.

Taste: Gentle and sweet. Amazingly fresh and tropical- Mango and pineapple, spiced with cinnamon and fresh ginger. A long development on peat smoke and seashore- Kelp and seaweed, sea salt building with big oak notes going into the finish.

Water: Softer arrival, toffee apple, fresh citrus- Lemon and orange.

Finish: Long length. Old oak with some peat smoke.
- Nose
  
  86 86
- Taste
  
  86 86
- Finish
  
  86 86
peatbogger scored this whisky 93 points
19 may 2016 10:37 pm
Premium tasting at Laphroaig.

Thanks to Megan for sharing her favourite :-)
- Nose
  
  93 93
- Taste
  
  93 93
- Finish
  
  93 93
Kaltduscher scored this whisky 90 points
17 apr 2016 8:48 pm
Nose

An interplay of flavors, complex and wonderfully balanced. Lemon peel. Grapefruits. Tropical fruits. Brown sugar. Vanilla. Iodine. The smoke is subtly in the background and is beautifully integrated. Again and again, fine oak flares sparkle, the 21-year maturity have left clear marks. The malt is not, as otherwise typical of Laphroaig, to full advantage. Rather, he gives the aromas time to develop.

Taste

Sweet start. Honey. Vanilla. Grapefruit. The smoke is more present in the mouth than in the nose. Torfasche. Mineral notes. Getting oilier. Coffee. Oak.

Finish

Again wonderfully complex. Malty sweetness, grapefruit, dried fruit. Drying in a long finish with a lot of oak bitterness and mineral notes. Pink pepper. Again and again subtle peat smoke flashes up.
Akoo scored this whisky 91 points
15 feb 2016 1:27 pm
Surely we are dealing here with a great whisky. The first filling bourbon casks play their role perfectly, giving a very fruity profile to this Laphroaig. The peat explodes in the mouth, but does not crush all the subtleties brought by the 21 years of maturation. A must have!

Nose

discreet and archetypal Laphroaig, with thick, thick smoke, tar notes and a very developed medicinal side, especially with camphor and mint smells. But it's not just that. We find a beautiful basket of exotic fruits, with passion, kiwi, pineapple, mango, but also pear, apricot, lemon and vanilla. It's sweet, but not sickening. It is almost a confectionery with fruit a little creamy. The background is lined with spices, including pepper, pepper and cinnamon. It seems dense and rich.

Taste

powerful and lurking. It is much more empyreumatic than nose, with notes of ashes, smoke and tar very pronounced. The texture is not greasy at all as we would have supposed the olfaction. It is less characteristic of Laphroaig. In the second part of the mouth, the smoke dissipates to reveal the beautiful collection of fruits and spices: mango, apricot, kiwi, pear, lemon, vanilla, honey, pepper, pepper. There are also more maritime notes with salt, sea shells and seaweed.

Finish

very long and persistent on notes of ash, smoke, tar, salt, but also a nice length on the fruit, on a rather dry texture.
Koloman scored this whisky 96 points
01 jan 2016 12:13 pm

Rumor has it that 13,000 bottles were bottled. It should not be much less, because originally one had to be among the winners of a raffle in order to buy a bottle, then you could, even if you did not belong to the winners, suddenly buy three bottles through the online store, and In the meantime (1 January 2016) you can even order six bottles at once. Come on, guys!
Goethe scored this whisky 91 points
13 dec 2015 7:28 pm
Very enjoyable this expression of Laphroaig 21. First-fill bourbon sweetness, smoke from the islay peat and a surrounding, like standing on the yard of Laphraoig.

Concerning price/performance ratio: 8/10 (2015)

Nose

Salt, smoke, iodine, vanilla (well, it is first-fill bourbon), honey, dried tropical fruits, ginger.

Taste

Sea salt, sweet smoke, iodine, citrus, spices, pepper.

Finish

Medium. Smoke and malt from the kiln floor.
Shane_IL scored this whisky 92 points
12 dec 2015 12:15 pm
Quite sublime.

Nose

The nose was quite closed, a few drops of water helped to open it up. There's a light salty note, kind of like the breeze in a coastal town. Smoked tuna. Iodine. A sweet floral note. Honey. Wet stone. Straw. Aromatic herbs like peppermint and wintergreen. With some glass time the fruity notes come forward, Dried peach. Candied pineapple. Mango peel. Orange cake.

Taste

Mineral peat. Wet stone. Juicy apples. Citrus zest. Fruit leather. Smoked fish. Ginger, lemon and honey tea (the combination not as distinct notes). A sort of orangey note develops. Bit of woodspice and camphor on the swallow.

Finish

Medium. A burst of bitter and sweet fruits and then a long salty linger with some bitter wood.
Dramlicious scored this whisky 89 points
28 nov 2015 2:26 am

Nose

Very sweet with all the aromas you expect from a first-fill bourbon cask. Sweet medicinal smoke accompanied by vanilla and white honey. Oranges, sugared grapefruits and lemon slices. Hints of mint.

Taste

Sweet and smokey. Dried seaweed seasoned with sea salt. Grilled pineapples pieces in BBQ sauce. Followed by more citrus fruits and ginger.

Finish

Medium, but vanishes way too quickly. Hints of rose pepper and salt. Honeyed ash and citrus fruits.

Overall

A very elegant and mature Laphroaig. I am not the biggest fan of this citrus fruity profile I have to acknowledge its well-balanced complexity. So overall a very good expression but not as good as I had hopped for.

http://dramlicious.com/peaty-friday-episode-23/
KayMeertens scored this whisky 87 points
20 nov 2015 10:44 pm
It's nice, but I'm glad I didn't buy it when I was one of the 'happy few' who 'won' the right to buy three bottles.

Nose

Peat, sweet lime, orange, gingerbread. Later peach and malt. When it breathes the peach becomes stronger, and also some pineapple surfaces.

Taste

Peat, orange, citrus, blueberry, pineapple and pepper.

Finish

Peat, peach, malt, raspberry and orange.
FernetBranco scored this whisky 81 points
14 nov 2015 10:18 am
- Nose
  
  82 82
- Taste
  
  82 82
- Finish
  
  85 85
Koloman scored this whisky 96 points
09 nov 2015 8:53 am
In contrast to Ardbeg, to whose on the occasion of its 200th anniversary nothing else than the other Ardbeg fillings hardly distinguishable perpetual came to mind, Laphroaig has apparently long-termed and retained a number of high-quality barrels. In addition to the 21YO, there is currently also the relaunch of the 15YO, a 16YO available in travel retail and a 32YO. Although the 21YO is not exactly a bargain, it is well worth the price: Laphroaig has never been so complex and yet harmonious! However, those who are more into Ten and Quarter Cask, and who liked the 18YO less, may be disappointed. If you like the 18YO, you will love the 21YO! The idea to offer such a high-quality whisky in 350 ml bottles, I think awesome; I even hope she's going to school, because you do not have to buy a (maybe twice as expensive) 700ml bottle that may not appeal to you. Conclusion: Laphroaig has done everything right! Congratulations to the anniversary!
- Nose
  
  96 96
- Taste
  
  100 100
- Finish
  
  100 100
Hvdree scored this whisky 88 points
05 nov 2015 11:45 pm
- Nose
  
  89 89
- Taste
  
  89 89
- Finish
  
  89 89
Arquebus scored this whisky 93 points
04 nov 2015 9:49 pm

One of the standout whiskies on a recent holiday on Islay. Lovely mix of fruit notes from the bourbon casks springs out to great you, smoke is fresh and more restrained than a usual Froyg - probably the influence of time calming it down.
Segens scored this whisky 93 points
20 oct 2015 9:39 pm
Ok we talk about 300€ for a 0,7 bottle but what an excellent dram. This is the best smoker I had in my glass so far. I am still smiling when looking at my empty glas. It has a perfect balance it has so many different characters and with a sip you are busy for minimum 5 minutes. Great job Laphroaig!

Nose

First sweet smoke but very quick you get fruity notes like grapefruit and pineapple. What a beautiful nose!

Taste

Sweet start (honey, caramel) but after a few seconds you get a bit of smoke and fruity notes (apple, lemon) as well. After a while I get a bit of smoke / bacon / barbecue.

Finish

First very quick feeling disappointed but then after a second or two warm smoke with fruity sweetness which remains for half a minute. Lovely!
Peter87 scored this whisky 91 points
26 sep 2015 11:30 pm
- Nose
  
  92 92
- Taste
  
  92 92
- Finish
  
  90 90
cavalier66 did not rate this whisky
23 sep 2015 6:39 pm

From Ruben: http://www.whiskynotes.be/2015/laphroaig/laphroaig-21-year-old/

Laphroaig 21 yo 1993
(48,4%, OB 2015, first-fill bourbon, for Friends of Laphroaig, 35 cl.)

Nose: as expected, a rather mild nose, with medium peat and rather discreet medicinal notes. It’s more on the bourbonny notes, with a fresh but subtle tropical fruitiness. Pineapple, melon and mango. Subtle spices, especially mint and cinnamon. Vanilla. Linseed oil. Hints of leather and plenty of seaweed. Mouth: again a mature, smooth, fruity profile that most people may actually not immediately recognize as Laphroaig (after all, old versions are now very hard to come by). Maritime notes. Mango, apricots and fresh citrus. More peat smoke and oak spices than on the nose though, this is still clearly Laphroaig. Sweet liquorice, iodine, tar and ginger. Finish: medium long, with honeyed ashes, a little sea salt and some dried seaweed notes.

Maybe not the sales success Laphroaig hoped for, probably due to a heavy price, but a great whisky nonetheless. Fruity, elegant, mature Laphroaig. Around € 130 (for a half bottle).

Score: 91/100
hfos scored this whisky 89 points
09 sep 2015 11:38 am
- Nose
  
  89 89
- Taste
  
  90 90
- Finish
  
  91 91
Koloman scored this whisky 96 points
08 sep 2015 7:43 pm

"This limited edition was distilled throughout 1993, then poured into first fill ex-bourbon barrels to age. To add even greater complexity, both kiln-dried and air-dried American oak barrels were used to reflect the subtle changes in flavour that occur with the changing seasons. These barrels variations yield a bright gold colour, more intense vanilla flavour and subtle spice notes during the maturation process. Well balanced and complex, Laphroaig 21 Year Old is the perfect whisky to celebrate 21 years of friendship." (from the tube)
Georges scored this whisky 91 points
02 sep 2015 11:07 pm
- Nose
  
  93 93
- Taste
  
  92 92
- Finish
  
  90 90
Georges scored this whisky 91 points
02 sep 2015 11:06 pm
Nose

Peat smoke, seasalt, medicinal, fruity (apricots, peaches), vanilla, cinnamon, grassy

Taste

Peat, medicinal, spicy, bitter, fruity (peaches, oranges), salty, fresh, sweet

Finish

Long, smoky, dry, bitter, grassy, rubbery
GIORGOS scored this whisky 87 points
25 aug 2015 10:48 pm
Fantsatic Noseee
- Nose
  
  92 92
- Taste
  
  90 90
- Finish
  
  86 86
Tabrulavubeg scored this whisky 90 points
25 aug 2015 1:56 pm

This one has a fantastic nose and a very complex structure.
Yet the very fruity "lemony" profile on the palate is not to my liking. I should say this is a Laphroaig maybe for the Littlemill fans (which I am not)...?
Anyway, I have to appreciate the pure quality of this and I do understand why it is so popular.
squaadgras scored this whisky 90 points
23 aug 2015 12:19 am
- Nose
  
  91 91
- Taste
  
  91 91
- Finish
  
  89 89
Archer scored this whisky 90 points
20 aug 2015 8:53 pm
- Nose
  
  90 90
- Taste
  
  90 90
- Finish
  
  90 90
EckoVicto scored this whisky 88 points
16 aug 2015 10:46 pm

Still available at the distillery for £90 so £10 less than in the ballot.
Erik Elixir scored this whisky 90 points
15 aug 2015 3:55 pm
Bottle share IV

Nose

Oily, creamy vanilla, peat and lingering smoke. Ashes, soft spices - cinnamon and pepper, some liquorice and even fruity notes like nectarines and plums. Later leather and some mint.

Taste

Peaty, pepper, oily, ashes and smoke. Vanilla, briny - salt and fruity - exotic fruits.

Finish

Long and medium drying with liquorice, ashes, citrus and fruity.
Implar scored this whisky 91 points
14 aug 2015 11:20 pm

Color: Gold

Nose: The expected peat, barbecue smoke and brine. Then a barrage of fruit that reveal themselves over time: lemon, grapefruit, avocado and some green herbal notes that I can't quite put my finger on. With even more time it gets more tropical with notes of mango, banana and kiwi.

Palate: Smooth arrival. It starts of very salty before opening up. There's marzipan, turkish delight, balsamic vinegar and oak, married with medicinal smoke.

Finish: Sweet and mouth drying. Vanilla, sweet smoke, the herbal notes are back again, and a touch of pepper. Luckily all this goodness lasts for a pretty long time.

Wow this is good. Very complex and the peat is perfectly balanced with the fruit flavors.

At £95 for a 350ml bottle, this is not cheap at all, but very much worth trying. Thanks Norbert for the sample!
Ciro scored this whisky 90 points
14 aug 2015 12:22 am
- Nose
  
  93 93
- Taste
  
  90 90
- Finish
  
  92 92

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Whisky Reviews for Laphroaig 21-year-old

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