Scotch

Laphroaig Willem Dafoe Limited Edition Review

Is Laphroaig x Willem Dafoe worth the price? Dive into smoky, sherried Islay notes, sea salt, cocoa, umami, and see who it’s for.

OVERALL RATING

8
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Tasting Notes

About:

One of the biggest collaborations of the year, Laphroaig and Willem Dafoe. Matured initially in ex-bourbon casks before being finished in Oloroso sherry casks. A higher strength and older offering within the world of celebrity collaborations, it’s one that has had a lot of people’s heads turning.
Appearance:
Varnished Oak
Nose:
Smoked sea salt, seaweed butter, maple, classic Laphroaig dry phenols, roasted nuts, palm sugar, soy sauce, chilli flakes, honey, baked lemon and crispy chicken skin.
Palate:
Smoked fish, fish sauce, cigar ash, wet ashtray, roasted nuts, petrol fumes, bone dry sherry, toffee, honeycomb, salt, 90% cocoa, charred meats and Angostura bitters.
Finish:
90% cocoa, aged Manchego cheese, rye bread, pumpkin seeds, smoked barley, smoked salt, Worcestershire sauce, onion salt and garlic granules.
Comments:
This is a wonderful example of savoury, slightly sweet Laphroaig. I do miss that classic, creamy hazelnut/white chocolate note that is in most bottlings, but this is meant to be different, so that’s not a large issue. It’s a really nice tasting bottle, but I can see the price tag putting people off who are simply interested rather than die-hard Laphroaig fans. See if you can find a sample of it or if your friends have a bottle open.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Phil Dwyer

Phil Dwyer is a freelance whisky writer and consultant. With a decade of experience in whisky retail and nearly as long running Whisky Wednesday on YouTube, Phil is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow whisky lovers. His goal is to make whisky accessible and enjoyable, dispelling the jargon and complexity that can sometimes surround the spirit. In addition to his online presence, Phil managed The Whisky Shop Manchester, where he curated an impressive selection of some of the finest drams available.

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