Introduction

Each year, I look forward to Laphroaig’s Cairdeas release—it’s usually where the distillery experiments a little, and the 2023 edition immediately got my attention. This one is matured entirely in French oak casks, a first for Laphroaig. Given how known they are for ex-bourbon and sherry influences, this was a chance to try something outside their typical profile. French oak often adds spice and structure in wine, so I was curious how it would shape Laphroaig’s hefty peat and iodine-driven spirit.

Nose

On the nose, it’s unmistakably Laphroaig, but there’s a different structure to it. The usual coastal smoke is there—seaweed, brine, and antiseptic—but it's wrapped in something drier and spicier than usual. A gentle herbal note floats up, kind of like dried thyme and rosemary. Then there’s this slightly creamy, nutty edge—almost like toasted hazelnuts or almond skins. The typical fruitiness is dialed further back, with just a whisper of apple skin or underripe pear beneath the core aromas. There’s a sense of restraint here rather than sweetness.

Palate

First sip, and the whisky confirms what the nose promised: lots of dry smoke, tightly wound spices, and more oak-forward bitterness than sweetness. The texture is firm and warming, less oily than some other Laphroaigs I’ve had. The French oak influence shows clearly in the mid-palate—clove, black pepper, and a bitter orange peel note that I usually associate more with Armagnac or certain dry wines.

The peat is sharp but clean—incense-like at times—and mingles with toasted oak without being overly aggressive. It's bracing and direct, and while it isn’t overly complicated, it certainly holds your attention. The whisky leans heavily on the oak spice and dry herbal character, rather than sweetness or richness.

Finish

The finish lingers in a dry, phenolic sort of way. Ashy charcoal, a bit of burnt rosemary, and an earthy afterglow that fades slowly. It’s long, a little astringent, and not particularly sweet. There’s a salty-mineral edge left on the tongue that reinforces the maritime identity, but it’s not what I’d call a soft or comforting finish—it’s stark and unapologetic. If you enjoy a drying, wood-forward end to your dram, this will probably suit.

Price and Value

At its usual Cairdeas price point (which often floats slightly above standard Laphroaig 10), this release sits in a reasonable place for what it offers. It’s clearly aimed at people who know the distillery’s core profile and want to try something exploratory. I wouldn’t call it a crowd-pleaser, but it's thoughtful and well-made. Value will really depend on your taste: if you appreciate drier, more structured Islay whisky with less sweetness and more tannic bite, it will tick those boxes.

Background

The Cairdeas series has long been Laphroaig’s way of highlighting different cask types or maturation experiments for its fanbase. The 2023 edition is unique in that it is the first release from the distillery to undergo 100% French oak maturation—no sherry or bourbon involved. According to Laphroaig, these casks were crafted from French oak used previously for red wine aging, which likely contributed those spicy and earthy notes that dominate the palate.

Laphroaig is no stranger to pushing the envelope while maintaining its core traits—salty peat, medicinal smoke, and seaweed brine—but this one is noticeably leaner and more angular than previous Cairdeas releases. It was bottled at cask strength, which adds to the intensity.

Final Notes

Would I buy this bottle again? Probably not as a regular drinker—but I’m glad I tasted it. It offers a side of Laphroaig I don't usually see, with drier tannins and almost wine-like bitterness playing against classic peaty smoke. Is it suitable for newcomers to Islay whisky? Not really—this expression is pretty firm and lacks the balance or sweetness that can ease someone into peated malts.

As for when to reach for this bottle, I found it most enjoyable when I wanted something to reset my senses—its dry, sharp finish really clears the palate. In comparison to other Islay malts like Lagavulin’s Distillers Edition or even other Laphroaig special editions, the French oak edition is more reserved and slightly austere, making it a niche but worthwhile bottle for experienced whisky drinkers looking to explore different oak expressions.