A Càirdeas (That’s Gaelic for friendship) release is always special. The release of Càirdeas expressions is always special as it goes hand in hand with Fèis Ìle, the renowned festival on Islay.

The Lore Cask Strength follows the tradition of sharing cask-strength versions of Laphroaig's classic whiskies. It's the marriage of five casks coming together in a non-chill filtered whisky with the most intense flavor profile. This year's release is a complex blend of single malts that have aged in ex-bourbon, European oak and Oloroso sherry barrels, along with quarter casks. Bottled at 59.6% ABV.

Antique gold in color with sweet, herbal and boldly peaty aromas. A superbly fruity expression with notes of apricot, peaches in syrup and lemon cream combined with a hint of coconut and vanilla fudge sweetness. A hint of freshly mown grass and tangy basil is also present, with traces of tobacco and white pepper. Opening on the palate with an extraordinary explosion of peat with a salty sea spray, followed by a pepper sparkly on the tongue. Notes of lemon zest, salted limes and caramel dominate, leading on to more herbal notes of fresh mint and rich tea leaves in the background. Delicate spices emerge including cumin, cloves, and ginger whilst you encounter an almost antiseptic sensation on the palate. A long lasting finish with a citrus sweetness and an everlasting phenolic aftertaste.