Laphroaig Cairdeas 2022 Review – Warehouse 1

Company: Beam Suntory

Distillery: Laphroaig

Region: Islay, Scotland

Aging: Exclusively matured in first-fill Maker’s Mark bourbon casks in Laphroaig’s landmark warehouse 1

ABV: 52.2%

Price: $110

Appearance: Light Gold Hay

Nose: Medium peat, smoke, salt, vanilla, graham cracker, smooth

Palate: Strong heat with a significant amount of peat and smoke, but more subdued than the Laphroaig 10 year. Rather than the in-your-face smokey blast you normally get with Laphroaig, this edition brings a lot of vanilla and caramel sweetness at first then turns with strong herbal notes of pepper, spices, and a little floral to complete the long finish. This one will definitely get your taste buds tingling and reaching for another sip.

Is Laphroaig Cairdeas Approachable?

While Laphroaig Cairdeas is a bit more approachable than the standard Laphroaig 10 year due to it’s lower peat/smoke levels, it is not a beginner’s whiskey. It has significantly more heat from the 52.2% ABV compared to Laphroaig 10 Years 43% ABV.

In terms of peaty, smokey Scotch’s… I will say that the Laphroaig Cairdeas is a bit easy to get into than other Laphroaig because it balances the peaty smokiness with a bit of sweetness at first and finishes with a strong spicy finish.

Is Laphroaig Cairdeas Complex?

Laphroaig Cairdeas is more complex than I expected it to be. I typically just expect Laphroaig to come at me with full smoke and peat right up front… and finish with full smoke and peat! If you’ve tasted Laphroaig before, you’ll know exactly what I mean.

This, however, feels a bit more balanced with more complex flavors and finish.

If I had to compare, Laphroaig 10 Year reminds me of a campfire that was just doused with ocean water, whereas Laphroaig Cairdeas is like a steak dinner with peppers and veggies cooked on a campfire complete with a graham cracker s’more for dessert.

How Does Laphroaig Cairdeas Smell?

I really enjoy the smell of Laphroaig Cairdeas. It has the classic Laphroaig peat and smoke, but balances well with a caramel vanilla graham cracker finish.

What are Laphroaig Cairdeas’s strongest attributes/flavors?

Peat and smoke are still front and center. They’re the main show with vanilla and caramel notes at first and spicy pepper for the finale.

Is Laphroaig Cairdeas a go-to whiskey?

Laphroaig Cairdeas is more of a special occasion whiskey for me. It’s not something I would drink every day or with a regular dinner. While it is quite enjoyable and fun to drink, it’s something I would reserve for a special night with friends on the back porch or a night of cigars and card games.

Is Laphroaig Cairdeas priced accurately to its quality?

Laphroaig is a $100+ bottle so it is a bottle that you purchase to give yourself a unique experience. It’s quite enjoyable to drink and I would say that it is worth the money if you are looking for a solid peat and smoke-forward Scotch.

Laphroaig is always one of my favorites in this category and Laphroaig Cairdeas does not disappoint.

Let Us Know What You Think

I hope you enjoyed this tasting experience with me.

If you decide to give this bottle a shot, please let us know on social media via Reddit, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

Thanks for reading and cheers!