Islay (LA) 34 Years 1990/2025 - Signatory Vintage x Wu Dram Clan
1990. This was the year Germany won the World Cup and in a warehouse on Islay, Laphroaig filled a cask that would wait patiently for 34 years to enchant us today. What do you do with a whisky that is older than many of its connoisseurs? You let Signatory Vintage, one of Scotland's most respected independent bottlers, who have teamed up with Wu Dram Clan to get this liquid historical document into the bottle.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The fascinating duality of this whisky is revealed as soon as you approach the glass. The classic Laphroaig DNA is unmistakably present: there is that medicinal note that you either love or hate – iodine, maritime saltiness and a hint of hospital corridor. But before you get lost in memories of your last visit to the doctor, the profile elegantly shifts to tropical climes. Yellow pear joins juicy mango and pineapple, as if someone had left a fruit basket on the beach at Islay. The oak is present but surprisingly restrained for a distillate that has been matured for over three decades. It is soft and integrated, without dominating the fruity aromas. A delicate hint of vanilla pudding nestles in between, while herbal tea notes in the background add extra complexity. This nose is a paradox: powerful and delicate, smoky and fruity, old and lively all at once.
Palate
The first sip is like jumping into the cold North Sea: tingling, electrifying, invigorating. The tongue dances between salty and umami, while BBQ smoke with meaty notes lays a hearty foundation. This is where the true mastery of this bottling comes into play: despite its 51.7% ABV, this whisky is significantly smoother than the number suggests. Toffee and honey bring a welcome sweetness to the fore, which harmonises perfectly with the cooling mint. Yes, mint! In a 34-years Laphroaig! It is this unexpected freshness, paired with citrus notes and reappearing tropical fruits, that makes this dram so special. The texture is voluminous and oily, caressing every corner of the palate and leaving behind a warming blanket of pleasure. A hint of Ricola candy, that typical Swiss herbal note, rounds off the taste experience and brings a smile to your face.
Finish
Just when you think this whisky has given its all, the finish takes it up a notch. It lingers for a long, long time... Minutes pass, and you still discover new nuances. The oak returns, but gently and smoothly, like an old friend with a good story to tell. Spicy notes mingle with a hint of black pepper, without ever becoming aggressive. The warmth that spreads through your chest is not the burning heat of young spirits, but a soothing, embracing warmth, like a log fire on a stormy Islay evening. The finish leaves you in a contented, almost meditative state, where you just want to sit and listen to the aftertaste.
Thoughts
Marcel 90/100
This 34-years Islay dram is a true taste experience full of surprises – smoky, vibrant, and with a freshness you hardly expect from a whisky of this age. A whisky that deserves time and patience to discover its complex facets, making every moment a pleasure. Perfect for treating yourself or a loved one to something truly special!
Sascha 92/100
An impressively balanced Islay whisky that, despite its 34 years of maturation, retains remarkable freshness and complexity. The harmonious balance between powerful smokiness, fruity notes, and an elegant oak structure makes it a prime example of a matured Laphroaig. A structured, multi-layered single malt that lingers long and sets standards in terms of age and style.
Value for Money: No rating
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84/100Frequently Asked Questions
How does the long maturation of 34 years influence the flavor of this Islay whisky?
The 34-year maturation imparts a complex balance of intense aromas and a smooth texture. Despite its age, the typical Laphroaig DNA with medicinal, iodine-rich notes remains intact, complemented by fruity tropical accents and a restrained oak spiciness that frames the spirit harmoniously.
Why does this whisky taste so soft and approachable despite its 51.7% alcohol content?
The combination of long cask maturation and careful bottling by Signatory Vintage ensures that the high alcohol strength is pleasantly integrated. This makes the whisky less sharp, reveals an oily texture, and allows a balanced sweetness alongside fresh mint and citrus notes to shine through.
What makes the collaboration between Signatory Vintage and Wu Dram Clan special for this bottling?
Signatory Vintage is a renowned independent bottler known for its meticulous cask selection. The partnership with Wu Dram Clan, a group of whisky enthusiasts, brings additional expertise and passion, resulting in a limited, particularly characterful bottling that appeals to both collectors and connoisseurs.