Royal Brackla 12-year-old

Few things have a more overt influence on a single malt whisky than choosing to use peat in the drying of the barley. And few distilleries allow that influence to shine as brightly as Laphroaig. Here, though, the Sherry cask ageing has provided a wealth of dark spice and dry fruit to counterbalance the powerful peat. Notes of leather, sticky tobacco, stickier Medjool dates and maple-smoked bacon can be found, along with tar and honey. Bottled at a toothsome 48%, this is equally delicious with, or without, a drop or two of waterRob Whitehead, Spirits Buyer (April 2021)