Rating 93
Style
Whiskey
Classification Single Malt
Produced In Scotland
ABV 59.6%
Availability Year Round
Price $110.00 
Reviewed By
Reviewed 2025-08-06

Laphroaig Càirdeas 2025 Lore Cask Strength Review

Laphroaig’s 2025 Càirdeas release is a cask-strength version of the distillery’s Cask Lore offering, which it bills as its “richest and most complex expression.” That peated whisky is a blend of single malts that have aged from 7 to 21 years in various casks, including ex-bourbon, European oak, Oloroso sherry, and quarter casks. While the standard expression arrives at 48 percent ABV, this year’s Càirdeas comes in at 59.6 percent ABV. And simply put, it’s a stunning peated single malt. The 20-plus extra proof points have elevated and intensified what is already a standout whisky. Yet, equally of note is the fact they never distract from the nosing or tasting experience. Where smoke is present throughout that experience, this isn’t a straight-up peat bomb, either. There’s an assortment of baked fruits and notes of citrus, vanilla, caramel, and sea water to get lost in. All things told, this will please card-carrying peat lovers, even if it isn’t the smokiest whisky on the shelf. And it might also change the minds of those who have previously steered clear from the style.

As of 2024, VinePair no longer participates in any affiliate programs. All links included in our content are as a convenience to our readers, not for earning commission — we receive no monetary value from them. Learn more about our tastings & review department here!

Related Reads

Learn About Scotch

· Scotch 101

· Brand Profile: Laphroaig

· Our always updated list of our best rated Scotch brands!

Related Laphroaig Reviews

Laphroaig Elements 2.0 Single Malt Scotch Review

Laphroaig Elements 2.0 Single Malt Scotch Review:
One of the quintessential Islay distilleries for peated Scotch, Laphroaig has long been known for its peated distillate and range of ...

Laphroaig 10 Year Sherry Oak Finish

Laphroaig 10 Year Sherry Oak Finish:
The sherry cask influence on this Laphroaig whisky tempers its smokiness to great avail, resulting in a highly concentrated profile that ...

Related Scotch Reviews

Highland Park 12 Year Single Malt

Highland Park 12 Year Single Malt:
One of the best bargains in Scotch, this is a nuanced sipper that overdelivers on concentration and complexity of flavor. Honey, raisins, ...

Nc'nean Organic Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Nc'nean Organic Single Malt Scotch Whisky:
This non-age-stated release from the relatively young Nc'nean distillery was matured in a trio of American whiskey, specially treated red ...

Featured Scotch Articles

The Drinks Industry Has a Huge Carbon Footprint. There Are Solutions.

The Drinks Industry Has a Huge Carbon Footprint. There Are Solutions.:
The drinks industry has a huge impact on the environment and our climate, but there are ways to fix the carbon impact of the drinks we love.

What’s Actually Inside the ‘World’s Oldest Scotch’ Bottles? Auctioneers Aren’t Completely Sure

What’s Actually Inside the ‘World’s Oldest Scotch’ Bottles? Auctioneers Aren’t Completely Sure:
In September 2023, Whisky Auctioneer announced that it would be selling the world's oldest Scotch, only this claim is impossible to confirm.

The 10 Most Important Scotch Whiskies of the Last 25 Years

The 10 Most Important Scotch Whiskies of the Last 25 Years:
These bottles encapsulate the Scotch whisky industry's biggest moments and major trends since 2000. Check them all out here.

Why Drink Makers Seek Royal Warrants — and Why They Might Be Nervous Right Now

Why Drink Makers Seek Royal Warrants — and Why They Might Be Nervous Right Now:
After a change of sovereign, the British royal household reviews all brands that hold a royal warrant — a process that is currently underway.

93
POINTS
Laphroaig Càirdeas 2025 Lore Cask Strength
Laphroaig’s 2025 Càirdeas release is a cask-strength version of the distillery’s Cask Lore offering, which it bills as its “richest and most complex expression.” That peated whisky is a blend of single malts that have aged from 7 to 21 years in various casks, including ex-bourbon, European oak, Oloroso sherry, and quarter casks. While the standard expression arrives at 48 percent ABV, this year’s Càirdeas comes in at 59.6 percent ABV. And simply put, it’s a stunning peated single malt. The 20-plus extra proof points have elevated and intensified what is already a standout whisky. Yet, equally of note is the fact they never distract from the nosing or tasting experience. Where smoke is present throughout that experience, this isn’t a straight-up peat bomb, either. There’s an assortment of baked fruits and notes of citrus, vanilla, caramel, and sea water to get lost in. All things told, this will please card-carrying peat lovers, even if it isn’t the smokiest whisky on the shelf. And it might also change the minds of those who have previously steered clear from the style.

Reviewed On: 08-06-2025
93
POINTS
Laphroaig Càirdeas 2025 Lore Cask Strength
Laphroaig’s 2025 Càirdeas release is a cask-strength version of the distillery’s Cask Lore offering, which it bills as its “richest and most complex expression.” That peated whisky is a blend of single malts that have aged from 7 to 21 years in various casks, including ex-bourbon, European oak, Oloroso sherry, and quarter casks. While the standard expression arrives at 48 percent ABV, this year’s Càirdeas comes in at 59.6 percent ABV. And simply put, it’s a stunning peated single malt. The 20-plus extra proof points have elevated and intensified what is already a standout whisky. Yet, equally of note is the fact they never distract from the nosing or tasting experience. Where smoke is present throughout that experience, this isn’t a straight-up peat bomb, either. There’s an assortment of baked fruits and notes of citrus, vanilla, caramel, and sea water to get lost in. All things told, this will please card-carrying peat lovers, even if it isn’t the smokiest whisky on the shelf. And it might also change the minds of those who have previously steered clear from the style.

Reviewed On: 08-06-2025