Laphroaig Cairdeas (2024) Cask Favourites 10 Years
Laphroaig is arguably one of the most well-known Islay single malts. From supermarket shelves to independent single cask bottlings, Laphroaig whiskies are recognized and beloved across all market segments. Although we've enjoyed several of their malts in the past, they have been unusually absent from our reviews. Following the trend of limited editions, the distillery offers special "collector's editions" under the Cairdeas label in limited quantities. Today, we're trying the 2024 "Cask Favourites" – a 10-years combination of Triple Wood and PX Sherry casks. We're eager to see if the quality matches the hype.
The panel
Mean 81.5 · spread 3
Value for money 3/5
- Distillery
- Laphroaig
- Type
- Single Malt
- Region
- Isle of Islay
- Country
- Scotland
- Age
- 10 years
- Strength
- 52.4% ABV
- Character
- peaty
Tasting
Nose
The opening is unmistakable: the iodine-rich, medicinal Laphroaig smoke, accompanied by a hint of tobacco. Milder aromas of charred grill grate join in. Behind the peat, we find the sherry casks: plums wrapped in bacon, old leather, orange peel, and the scents of fermented grapes. In the top notes, we detect orange peel and a touch of forest honey.
Palate
On the palate, pure maritime aromas unfold immediately. We think of seaweed and seawater. The malt is creamy and effervescent with hints of chili and ginger. On the palate, it is herbaceous and dry with hints of burnt sage. In the background, light notes of orange peel, licorice, and coffee grounds emerge.
Finish
The finish is medium-long and comes with a good dose of slightly bitter oak. A light pepper kick with voluminous smoke is accompanied by a smoldering leaf fire. The dram is rounded off by hints of burnt caramel.
Verdicts
Marcel
The Cairdeas 2024 brings together the classic Laphroaig smoke with a pleasant, spicy warmth – a genuine treat for fans of this style, though it lacks a big wow factor. For the price, I would have hoped for a bit more uniqueness; nonetheless, it’s a solid Islay representative that leaves you wanting more.
Sascha
Technically, the Cairdeas 2024 is well-structured and showcases a successful balance between maritime notes and sherry influences, with the finish scoring points for bitter oak and spicy smoke. Despite the clean composition, the value for money falls short compared to the 10CS, making it more of an interesting collector’s bottling.
What it is worth
We do not yet hold bottle-level auction results — that sits behind Whisky Hunter’s authenticated feed. What follows is the market for Laphroaig as a whole, which sets the weather for this bottling without pricing it.
Latest mean bid £218 across 619 lots · 2024-08