About the Column
Fathom this:
— India consumes 48% of the world’s whisky. It is the fastest-growing market and the largest producer of the spirit.
— About 18 million+ new customers enter the legal drinking age each year in India.
With increasing economic prosperity, greater international exposure and considerable mindset change with respect to alcoholic consumption, Indians are enjoying their drinks like never before. Yet, there still is general lack of awareness about what makes whisky and what doesn’t? What are different kinds of spirits? What is the difference between a scotch or a blended whisky? How should we drink whisky, wine or vodka? What are foods that go with whisky or wine? And scores of queries we wanted to know about the popular spirits but were too embarrassed to ask. Through this column, the writer is determined to find answers, bust myths, satisfy uncommon curiosities, bring out reviews and much more so that when we next uncork a bottle, we warm up to it knowing some of the mystery surrounding it.
The Laphroaig PX Cask Triple Matured
Rai Umraopati Ray
Short History
Founded by a pair of farmers, Donald and Alexander Johnston in 1815 in Islay, Laphroaig, so called after its location, ‘broad hollow by the bay, marries malted barley with smoke from their hand-cut peat to produce one of the most popular and richly flavoured Scotch whiskies. It is said that the art of distillation was first brought to the island’s south coast by Irish Monks.
Know Your Whisky
The Laphroaig PX Cask Triple Matured means that the whisky has literally been through the maturation process thrice. Distilled on the remote island of Islay, this single malt has first been matured in the standard ex-bourbon casks followed by controversial quarter casks and finally in Sherry casks. These casks are called Sherry because they once held PX (Pedro Ximenez) Sherry, a type of grapes originated from the southern regions of Spain. Today the grapes are spread to Australia and South America. The Pedro Ximenez maturation gives the whisky an extra sherry sweetness. The Pedro Ximenez cask are a very favourable among the peated whiskies. The combination of sweet and smoky is very pleasant. It also darkens the colour of the whisky. The Alcohol By Volume (ABV) of Laphroaig is 48%.
HS Take
Coming from the family of The Laphroaig, which is known for being very peaty and smoky in nature, PX Cask Triple Matured is certainly very different. It is neither harsh nor too sweet, thus quite suitable for someone especially young whisky lovers who wants to try out and get introduced into the world of smoky and peaty single malts.
The Nose, which is nothing but the aroma when you pour the whisky is no doubt smoky with a tinge of dark chocolate. If you are familiar with the smell of roasted malts and peat, you can feel it nice and strong.
The Palate (when you taste it) is strong for newcomers with a rush of several flavours — from caramel to cashew butter, campfire coal, oak and even tobacco. But it soon settles down and turns sweet, thanks to the Sherry cask finish. After a couple of sips, the taste will grow on you with its earthy note, rounded and diverse combination of flavours. For regulars, some may enjoy the whole process but may get disappointed with the sweetness in the end. The peat lovers shall surely give it a pass.
Indians who are into single malts will love it and this is the right whisky to graduate yourself for strong smoky whiskies and appreciate the famous range of Laphroaig.
Steps to drink it
- Go for a tumbler whisky glass or a regular crystal one, make sure it is free of any odour
- Pour 30ml and do not add water, ice or anything
- Take a small sip and keep it in your mouth for a while
- Try to internalise the aroma and flavour
- Drop few droplets of water and repeat step 3
Food
Contrary to the popular perception, this writer feels food plays an integral part to lift the whole experience and tried following snacks and dishes with Laphroaig PX Cask Triple Matured.
- Seekh Kebab — It did go well with the drink as it enhanced the spice quotient.
- Tandoori Chicken/ Tandoori Paneer — It is good for the newcomers who wants to cool their palates.
- Papad — This is again a good snack to up the flavour.
- Avoid too spicy food and sweet snacks.
So what are you waiting for? Raise your glass and cheers to health, wealth and prosperity!
The writer is a journalist who is a true spirit lover looking to learn more and share his knowledge and experiences with newcomers and tipple alike.
