1998 Laphroaig 16 Year Old "Old Malt Cask" Single Barrel Single Malt Whisky (750ml)

As if our stunning Craigellachie 19 year old edition of Old Malt Cask wasn't enough, we also managed to track down a delicious 16 year old edition of Laphroaig, bottled at 100 proof, for an incredible price. We noticed retailers on the East Coast selling 16 year old Laphroaig versions of Old Malt cask for up to $200 a bottle, and even the standard Laphroaig 18 year from the distillery goes for $120 or more. This concentrated, single barrel expression of Laphroaig brings all the peat smoke, saline sea water, and iodine notes you expect from your Islay whisky, but it adds a layer of vanilla from the cask maturation that balances the punch and the intensity of the island style. Even fans of Lagavulin and Bunnahabhain (those who like more richness and texture in addition to their smoke) will have a tough time finding a bottle better than this for the price. The finish is like a caramel candy covered in Islay peat, the perfect way to end a meal this holiday season.