The team behind the Darkness brand is into richly sherried expressions – and this Laphroaig bottling is no exception. The well-aged single malt finished its maturation journey in a tiny, Pedro Ximénez-seasoned octave cask. The vessel only holds around 50 litres! Thanks to the heightened oak-to-liquid surface area, the result is an intense, mouth-filling bottling that blends Laphroaig’s pronounced peat with the intense sherry influence. 

Tasting note:

Nose: Baking spices, dried fruits and a powerful roadwork-like smoke jumps from the glass. The boldness is tempered by gentler fudge notes.

Palate: After an initial smoke hit, the palate is awash with rich spices: cinnamon, clove and even cumin. Nutty dark chocolate comes through later.  

Finish: Long with dusty marzipan.