Laphroaig Cairdeas Feis Ile 2018, 51,8%, 700ml Originally released exclusively for the ‘Friends of Laphroaig’ and the 2018 Islay Whisky Festival 2018. The 2018 Cairdeas (Gaelic for friendship) release for the Feis Ile is an 8 year old cask strength and has been finished in dry fino Sherry casks for 2 years after initial maturation in Ex-Bourbon casks for 6 years. Nose: Up front is a soft, yet very noticeable wood smoke, accompanied by dry hay and sawdust. It takes a while for the fruits to emerge, but when they do they are light and white: unripe nectarines, grape must, gooseberry. There’s a floral element too – white musk body lotion – and a sweet nuttiness, like hazelnut praline and salted butter. Palate: Immediately salty, but also simultaneously vanilla-sweet and viscous. Dry, buttery and salty fino Sherry notes sit on the sides of the tongue, as wood spices build over the palate. It’s around eight years old – and has spent two years in a fino cask – so is still lively and youthful. Gooseberries and fizzy grapes dance away, while a touch of tannic oak, hazelnut and bitter walnut skin add grip. Water softens the palate, but fails to bring out any more fruit. Finish: Big smoke and more sweetness.