Laphroaig Elements 2.0

Laphroaig Elements 2.0

Region: Islay

ABV: 58.6%

Price: £170.00

Laphroaig Elements 2.0 is the second release in Laphroaig’s experimental series, which the distillery claims aims to push the boundaries of traditional whisky-making.

Some might argue that this series is akin to Ardbeg's Committee releases, serving as the distillery's own version of these experimental endeavours. For Elements 2.0, the focus was on fermentation. Traditionally, Laphroaig's fermentation lasts around 55 hours in the washback, but in this release, the distillery team extended the fermentation time significantly. Some batches that make up this release were fermented for up to 115 hours more than double the usual time. The fermentation occurred in specially aerated tuns, a technique inspired by traditional methods, according to the distillery. This aeration process was designed to preserve optimal mash conditions and emphasize the fruitier notes, while still maintaining the familiar intensity of Laphroaig’s bold profile.

No details were given on the cask types or length of maturation for this release.

Nose

The nose is quite delicate, almost floral, with hints of lavender and fresh linen. Saying that there's still a backbone of peat and smoke. Sitting with it we’re able to discern notes of strawberry jam, wet pebbles, and lemon peel, complemented by golden syrup and s'mores. There's a slight medicinal quality, reminiscent of TCP, but overall this is tame for a Laphroaig.

Palate

On the palate, there's a fair amount of peat, and behind the peat, there's a slight nuttiness with flavour’s of cashew nuts and praline. Additionally, there's a BBQ vibe that's nicely balanced by the sweetness of brown sugar. Touches of dried earth and barley sugars also come through as we sit with it. Upon revisiting, notes of caramel, honey, custard, and lemonade emerge. The finish is a good length with sweeter notes and smoke lingering. The mouthfeel is good have a nice amount of texture.

Nose (with water)

With water added, the nose holds up well, exhibiting fewer floral notes and more pronounced smoke and peat, reminiscent of a bonfire. Sea spray becomes noticeable alongside abundant golden syrup, though the strawberry notes are reduced. The profile shifts to more savoury elements like Cornish pasties and a nuttier character.

Palate (with water)

With water, the palate maintains its quality in terms of mouthfeel, finish, and peat. However, it becomes a touch spicier and hotter, while the nutty notes diminish. Additionally, elements of bitterness and dry earth now emerge, alongside gingerbread and charred wood. Given these changes, we’d recommend holding off on adding water.

Conclusion

We'd be curious about the age of this Laphroaig, as it comes across as quite refined, which typically suggests some maturity. However, given what we know, we suspect the sophisticated character might actually be due to the fermentation process, making it seem older than it likely is. Sophisticated for a Laphroaig, but also tasty.

Score: 8/10

Value

We find it hard to recommend a NAS release at £170.

• 10 - Perfection. One in a million
• 9 - Outstanding. Exceptional whisky.
• 8 - Great. Would seek this out.
• 7 - Good. Quality whisky.
• 6 - Above average. Happy to have a dram.
• 5 - Average. Drinkable whisky.
• 4 - Below average. Passable.
• 3 - Flawed. Noticeable negatives.
• 2 - Defective. Significant faults.
• 1 - Offensive. Pour it out.

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