“A Small Gift from the Whisky Gods” —Exciting Laphroaig Cask Finish 

For many years, the annual Laphroaig Cairdeas release has been one of the most anticipated moments in the whisky calendar. Devotees of this iconic Islay distillery—and collectors around the world—look forward to these limited releases, which often showcase unusual cask finishes, higher proofs, and creative interpretations of the house style. Known for producing “the most richly flavored of all Scotch whiskies,” Laphroaig uses Cairdeas to explore new dimensions of its unmistakable maritime, smoky character.

For a long time, the formula worked perfectly. These special bottlings were consistently priced around $80, offering outstanding quality and collectability at a fair cost, year after year. Then, in 2022, something shifted: the price rose to $100, and for the first time in memory, bottles lingered on shelves. It wasn’t that the whisky had declined in quality—if anything, the craftsmanship remained as sharp as ever—but the jump disrupted a long-standing equilibrium between value and exclusivity.

Fast-forward to today, and we find ourselves in a rare position: two different Cairdeas bottlings available at a discounted closeout price. At about 30% lower than the original release price, this moment feels like a small gift from the whisky gods. While it’s unlikely that Suntory Global Spirits, the owner of Laphroaig, will lock in such pricing for the long term, it’s a chance to stock up on a whisky that once sold out in a heartbeat.

The 2023 Cairdeas is a worthy reminder of why this series became so beloved in the first place. In the glass, its deep gold color (0.8) suggests restraint in the cask finishing compared with some previous wine-driven editions. Rather than pushing heavy wine notes, this bottling focuses on balance and integration. The wine casks still contribute salted cooked citrus, raspberry jam, and persimmon, but these sit comfortably alongside exotic spice, robust wood smoke, hints of metal polish, ginger, smoked fish, and a bright, cider-like lift with orange zest.

On the palate, an earthy green peat takes control early, drying the entry with a satisfying ashy edge before peppery spice builds. Slowly, the fruit notes from the nose return, lending a layered sweetness that stretches into the long, harmonious finish. This is a Cairdeas that stays true to Laphroaig’s peaty core while offering an unusually refined and integrated profile—smoky without being blunt, fruity without being cloying, and structured without losing drinkability. Even at its original $100, it would be a serious contender in today’s crowded market, but at $75 it becomes an easy recommendation for any Islay fan. It’s also a reminder that some of the best whisky experiences come when price and quality are in sync—a fleeting alignment worth enjoying while it lasts.

-David Othenin-Girard, K&L Spirits Buyer