Ah, Laphroaig is a brand I truly do enjoy and this 2015 Cairdeas was no exception. For those not familiar with Laphroaig, it is an Islay whisky and each year they release a limited Cairdeas edition (“Cairdeas” means friendship in Gaelic). The 2015 edition crafted by Master Distiller John Campbell was released at the 2015 Islay festival, which also celebrated the distilleries 200th anniversary.
I won’t beat around the bush I absolutely loved this whisky! It is bold, complex and everything you come to expect from a Laphroaig whisky.
Nose: sweet, smoke and salt
Taste: peat, salt and pepper
Finish: nice burn with ending notes of fruit and peat
It is a highly complex whisky that is perfectly balanced. I know many will tend to judge it because it is a no-age-statement but I honestly didn’t care. In the past I have paid a lot of money for aged whiskies that have turned out to be crap. This whisky is excellent!
I am not sure if you can still find a bottle, but if you can the price is around $75-$85. If you are a fan of smoke or Islay whiskies then I think you will enjoy this one.
To me this whisky is exceptionally well made and I loved every drop of it. Bringing together notes of sweetness and salt to harmoniously blend together is a strong skill. Well-done Laphroaig!
Cheers!
Note: The contents on my blog are solely my opinion. To me every palate is different! Although I may or may not like a product, I always recommend for people to try it and make up their own minds.
thewhiskeywench 
I bet it’s not $75 to $85 here in Australia. The quarter cask (which I adore) usually retails for about $110. And I pay it (did I say adore?). So where does this sit among other Laphroaig releases flavour-wise? Lighter or heavier? Sweeter or… peater… Erm… Anyway!
Keep on waffling,
Nick
I found the 2015 Cairdeas to be big on peat smoke. Definitely not lighter, it’s bold and on the heavier side. I tend to love that about it though.
Wow, I am amazed on the price difference, however, I too would pay that much for a whisky I loved. I’ll add the quarter cask to the list, as I’ve not tried it yet. Cheers!