Review: Laphroaig Cairdeas Origin Edition 2012

Review: Laphroaig Cairdeas Origin Edition 2012

In 2011 Laphoaig made the bold step to release its Cairdeas limited release whisky to the public. Previously held back as a private bottling for the Friends of Laphroaig, Cairdeas (“car-chass”) is an annual release that differs each year. Last year we were fortunate enough to try a very young version of Cairdeas with Laphroaig Master Distiller John Campbell.

This year, Laphroaig Cairdeas Origin is crafted with whisky from the first Laphroaig Cairdeas barrel, the total vatting including whiskys ranging from 13 to 21 years old. These old Cairdeas whiskys are blended with a younger spirit, which has spent seven years in quarter casks. The two spirits are blended in equal proportions.

It’s a complex bottling, but not that difficult to process as a whisky. If you know Islay, you know what you’re in for here: Heavy peat that’s been mellowed by years of sea air. It’s a fun whisky, very mild despite the cask strength. Lots of orange, lemon, and fresh apples (commonly listed in tasting notes but something you can actually taste for real in Cairdeas Origin). Of course, that’s all tempered by smoke, but it’s calmed down considerably. The smokiness is pleasant and sweet, and very warming on the finish. On the whole it’s a really lovely expression of Islay.

102.4 proof. 3000 bottles allocated for U.S.

A- / $75

Laphroaig Cairdeas Origin Edition 2012

$75
9

Rating

9.0/10

Christopher Null is the founder and editor in chief of Drinkhacker. A veteran writer and journalist, he also operates Null Media, a bespoke content creation company.

4 Comments

  1. Dex on October 17, 2012 at 9:00 am

    So, I just want to put my vote in for not clicking on links to read the full article.

    Having said that, in limited releases, how do you tend to get a hold of them?

  2. Christopher Null on October 17, 2012 at 9:23 am

    Dex – How do >I< get them or how do >YOU< get them? If you mean you, Master of Malt sells it, but at a hefty markup. http://www.masterofmalt.com/whiskies/laphroaig-cairdeas-origin-single-malt-whisky/?srh=1

  3. Dex on October 17, 2012 at 1:33 pm

    Markup, what are you talking about? It’s discounted to $15 there…….

    …..for 3 cL.

  4. Yori on July 28, 2013 at 3:36 am

    You can get some in the US a a reasonable price – $70-100.
    Well worth it!!!

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