Two independent Laphroaig from 1989

Let's try two middle-aged Laphroaig from 1989. Both were matured in ex-sherry single casks. The first is by the Scotch Malt Whisky Society. The other is by an independent bottler, Douglas Laing and this one earned a silver at the Malt Maniacs Awards in 2009.

Laphroaig 1989/2008 (53.7%, SMWS #29.66, 'Maritime and sweet')
Colour: Orange gold
Aroma: Indian mango chutney (sweet and tangy). Hints of maple syrup. Some wood glue. Then braided sea ropes. Whiffs of peat. Some iodine. So much going on here!
Taste: Some resemblance to the uber-famous vintage 1974! So this is a very nice Laphroaig. Cured ham, cocoa and orange jam. Some ripe durian fruit aftertaste. The finish is long and peaty. So much balance and enjoyment! For me, this has to be one of the best Laphroaig from the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Rating: 92/100

Laphroaig 1989/2009 (57.1%, Douglas Laing for La Maison du Whisky, #5220)
Colour: Dark orange gold
Aroma: Immediately briny. Wood shavings. Some iodine now. Fresh cut wood again.
Taste: Chinese chilli pork floss. Red spiciness and hot. Some sweetness. And chocolaty too. Raw scallop sashimi with lemon juice. The sherry effect comes through quite strongly and dry. Long, peaty and ashy finish.
Rating: 90/100