Laphroaig 33 Year The Ian Hunter Story Book 3

To close out my Laphroaig series, is a sample of their 33-year The Ian Hunter Story Book 3 that was bottled at 49.9% abv. The nose is bold, velvety and rich starting with a mix of candied bacon, mango purée, mild florals and dusty leather-bound books then dark chocolate covered sea salt butterscotch caramels, almond croissant and freshly lit pipe tobacco followed by caramelized peaches, guava and kiwi that transitions to mild baking spices and antique polished furniture with medium ethanol burn. The taste is a medium mouthfeel starting with creamy tropical fruits before a mild spice that quickly fades to blonde espresso, lemongrass and leather-bound books then dark chocolate covered dehydrated pineapple, almond macarons, seaside rocky minerality and freshly lit pipe tobacco followed by caramelized mangos, guava and kiwi that transitions to mild baking spices and antique polished mahogany furniture with medium ethanol burn. The finish is medium length, starting with sweet caramelized tropical fruits and butterscotch creme brûlée that fades to the background of faint smoked meats, guava, pipe tobacco, mild ocean brine, dusty leather-bound books and antique polished mahogany furniture. What a dram to close this series out with, that those 33 years in ex-bourbon casks have softened those dominant heavy peat smoke notes into faint light smoky meats that are present but now in the background of rich tropical fruits along with musty old oak, mild spices and sea salt that all work in harmony to create a stunning and masterfully composed experience. Overall, this is the best of the series for me taking the top spot away from the 15-year 200th Anniversary, but it falls short of achieving a perfect score as the flavors on the palate aren’t as rich as the nose suggested and the finish fades faster than I’d hoped. At a price of $1200+, this is one I’d recommend as a sample or bar pour well before committing to a full bottle purchase, but it’s certainly one I doubt any whisky fan wouldn’t find to be a captivating and memorable dram. Final ratings for the series: 10-year cask strength batch 11- 3.75 10-year sherry oak finish- 4.0 Lore- 4.0 2019 Caidreas Triple Wood- 3.75 2020 Caidreas Port and Wine - 3.75 2021 Caidreas PX - 4.0 15-year 200th Anniversary- 4.5 16-year- 4.0 TWB “It’s been a long way” 15-year IB- 3.25 15-year by The Character of Islay Release #11693- 4.0 25-year (2021)- 4.0 33-year The Ian Hunter Story Book 3- 4.5

This is the best expression of Islay I’ve ever had. Full-bore Laphroaig—iodine and bandaids, balanced by tropical sweetness—but showing its age like Susan Sarandon. The nose is heather honey, toffee, sea salted crackers, and shortbread, with a powerful kick of campfire smoke and petrichor. Laphroaig’s aggressively peaty attack is mellowed into a soft, briny, and earthy palate-entry, with hints of an idiopathological sweetness. The mid-palate is a kaleidoscope of guava, salted dark chocolate, licorice, and overripe mango, with a meaty smokiness offering balance. The finish is where this whiskey truly shines: bright, key-lime and curaçao emerges quickly and assertively; cacao and salinity linger longly; you are begged to take another sip and experience it anew. As close to perfection as I’ve been fortunate enough to experience.

At first, I get some custard and licorice on the nose, but it becomes fruitier and softer as it airs. Just a wisp of sea breeze with some salted caramel. One of the best aromas I've had the pleasure of enjoying on any spirit. The palate is syrupy, fruity, with a hint of seaweed, some creme brulee, baklava, and a wisp of smoke. There's a slight grassiness that largely dissipates with air, and it tastes better and better as it breathes. I'd probably rate this a 96 or so on a 100 point scale - it may not be the best thing possible, but it managed to meet or exceed my very lofty expectations. Had the option of getting Book 4 instead, but went with this because I was worried a sherry finish could mask character of a 33 year aged Laphroiag, and I think it was the right call.

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