Laphroaig Select

Had this and the 10 in the same weekend. Whilst the 10 was a bit too much for me, this seemed a little bland and watery.
It's ok, an easy drinker but if you're looking for something lightly peated there are others that are better with more body and longer finish.

4th November 2019

I went through two bottles of the select. One bought in Hampstead, the other in Brussels. The second just to make sure there hadn't been something amiss with the first. This is the most disjoint single malt I have ever experienced with a raw, almost Irish whiskey, oakiness, and odd citrus notes protruding from a weak smoky background. This is the only Islay I have ever disliked.

22nd October 2019

Wary, but gave it a go and it's lovely. I'm open to all styles of whisky, rich, light, smoky, fruity, there's room for all, it's all in the balance. Never been a huge fan of Laphroaig's medicinal punch but this expression dials it back just right for me. It's still there but it's subtle and doesn't dominate. Along with the peat there's lots more going on but it's all beautifully balanced in a light (but not wishy washy), bright and very high quality whisky. Laphroaig Light is right, but that's not a denigration by any means.

10th October 2019

mild, not too peaty, smooth. I may buy again. I was a regular Laphroaig drinker, but having cut down on spirits, this was a welcome return to Laphroaig.

14th September 2019

For those who shy away from heavily peated whisky this is an excellent start to help acclimate the nose and palete to the Islay smoke bombs out there. For a different variation of Laphraoig offerings, this boasts a a decent nose of oakiness, sweet citrus and vanila flavor that is balanced with the smoke and peat. It will forever turn you to the peaty side !! Cheers

13th August 2019

It's a gorgeous Peaty whiskey. If you don't like the medicinal notes of idoine and it may be one to skip but it's not as bad as people say. Not as aggressive as the 10, stick a few drops of water in and it smacks you around. would buy it again

2nd June 2019

I really enjoyed my bottle. For far too long, I was hesitating to go anywhere near peated whiskies but this was a really unforgettable experience. This whisky can easily be accompanied with some top notch food dishes. It also goes really well on its own. It is well balanced in my honest opinion although It may take longer for some to appreciate it for what it offers.

27th May 2019

Smokey yes but more like burnt out tyres rather than peaty

13th March 2019

Pale imitation of the 10 year old and quarter cask. Not terrible, but seems relay think and weak in the mouth compared to its pricier siblings. After this bottle is finished. I will go back to the real thing.

20th February 2019

Nice peat flavor. Not too strong. Like if a pharmacologist developed a single malt. Perfect for the tasteful scotch sampler.

24th January 2019

Quite impressed with this. I got it for a present and thought it'd be the same as the 10 year old and while it's similar, it's less rough around the edges, more refined and really softens when you add a bit of water. Very nice.

21st January 2019

A pale imitator of 10 year and other peaty delights. I would not buy this if you are a lover of peat. I will not again.

I also am confused. How can a blended whiskey be also called single malt? Help me out here.

12th January 2019

If you do not like smokey note avoid

18th December 2018

I've been offered this bottle by my sweetheart. She knew that Laphroaig is one of my top drink so she bought me that ageless bottle. I said thanks but I was a little dismayed, having had a taste of Jura Superstition. Well I must say I am pleasantly surprised: it is another king of Laphroaig, easier to drink and wonderfully balanced. The influence of sherry is clearly there, unexpected and interesting.
This does not replace the 10 years or the quarter cask but it's an interesting addition to my collection, one I'll renew when the bottle is empty.

16th November 2018

I've gotta admit first up that I've been avoiding this for YEARS because of the unkind reviews. It was going on a special and with two mini-glasses and thought what the heck?
I'm going back tomorrow to clear the lot. Its that good. And I have a decent collection that is larger than most local bars. Laphroaig 18 is in that collection, together with Ardbegs, Taliskers, Caol Ilas, Lagavulins, etc.
Got to agree, please keep trashing it, it probably keeps the price down.
peat, smoke, with sweet spiciness. Umm, what more do you want?

10th November 2018

What a delight, beeing almost an exclusive Laphroaig drinker, I have found this to be my favorite. Did a side by side with Juma, and hands down select was the winner. Oban 14, nope, Ardbeg, really? Junk. Some call it a “good beginners” or “gentle introduction to Islay scotch.” I am Thinking they put A1 on their steak, no taste buds left. Keep trashing it gang, keeps the price down!

9th October 2018

Wow, the peat monsters are out for blood on this one! Why so upset? Bought this from a clearance section at $50CDN, and had very few expectations. Great introduction for people who wouldn't choose a bottle of Bowmore or Lagavulin. Moderate iodine & peat on the nose, healthy hit of peat and pine and saline elements on initial taste, moving into a touch of smoke and then some gentler flavours that are almost fruity, with a bit of vanilla and grassy notes. Long and gentle finish, with the peat waving at you from the dock, not in the boat with you. Great choice for a hot day when you still want some Islay flavours. Held its own with a Cohiba Siglo V, and I wish I had another bottle. No complaints here, a great whisky to file as 'medium peated' in the personal tasting notes.

19th July 2018

I am a HUGE fan of peaty Islay whiskies and this one just threw me off, taste-wise. Must’ve been a blend of something that went bad. I used it for a “guest whisky”. Avoid this one. Go for the 10 or the Quarter cask instead.

4th June 2018

I get a hint of sweetness like the 10year old but then I can’t get by raw wood flavour, being an ex joiner and working with oak I can only imagine licking a piece of freshly sawn oak, some people may like but I find the 10 a superior whisky

24th February 2018

I've been waiting a while to give this a mark out of 5. This is something you can enjoy by the bedside like James Bond, whilst not feeling too guilty, smoooooth. It's also a good introduction into Islay whiskey world, the way a good smoke like Marlboro light can steer you towards a good Cuban cigar! MOM have hit the Nose on the head if you open your mouth! Anyway, for the price this is something you should keep in your bar at all times, i will, especially for the price you can source this for!

Oh and hey, i never understand 1 star reviews for a whisky like this. Come on, reserve bad reviews for a really bad whisky. If you want to taste a 1 star, please do get in touch and i will send you some!

9th February 2018

At first, harsh, engine oil, peaty, burned old wood, undercooked. not a bit like the smoother 12 yr old. Don't waste it get a bottle of Bells fill half on old empty bottle add a measure of Laphraig ,Johny walker double black,speyside,Singleton and a good 46 percent like Ardmore mix it up what a fantastic blend, beats anything Ive tried, and at a fraction of the cost, by using less expensive whisky as a base with the few added tots of malts you get unique rounded flavoured individual blends really worth drinking, and get your mates guessing as to what love poured up. Iechyd

9th February 2018

The last Laphroaig 10 I had was several years ago, too long, so I have no other Laphroaig to base this tasting on. More recently I’ve had Lagavulin 16, and Ardbeg 10, so those are the Islay malts for my reference, and the Laphroaig Select is not in the same class. But don’t let that dissuade you, it is a decent malt, and quite easy to grog, with a corresponding price tag at less than half the cost of Lagavulin, which is distilled just one mile away. Notes of citrus and apple, notably peated enough to be Britney, but not so much to overpowering. A decent balance.

1st January 2018

The bottle I have seems like the barrel has bin over chard as it tastes and smells burnt. Still a nice whisky to drink but the burnt taste overpowered most other notes.

28th December 2017

In a blindfold test I would not have guess it to be an Islay scotch of any kind. Where's the smoke? It is like a nice Highland scotch. Give me the 10 year anytime, but not this.

28th December 2017

Agreed on the tasting notes of medicinal and very smoky peat nose up front.

Tastes of pepper first, bursting with peaty smoke and about the same on the finish with a wee taste of mint.

To compare, my ideal Scotch while growing some experience in tasting for maybe 1.5 years (attended one Whisky Live, VIP) is Bowmore Darkest Islay 15 yr. Also LOVE Forty Creek's John K. Hall Confederation Oak Reserve.

26th December 2017

Classic peat flavor mixed with immature moonshine whiskey. Seems like an 80 proof effort to make good whiskey in short supply last longer. Thinning the soup, except with scotch. Not awful, But definitely not impressed

15th December 2017

My wife doesn't drink whisky, but has a keen nose for a malt. She picked up on the mint, lemon and chocolate.

6th October 2017

I, like others here, wonder why there's so much negativity towards this lovely dram. Yes it's different. Yes it's not like the standard expression, but why would it be? It's another type of process and that gives you a completely different type of whisky.

Ok, so don't go going into this expecting a full whack from the likes of the standard and the quarter cask. However if you fancy a little fruit with your smoke this is for you. The sherry really adds a different twist to it which I personally loved. I bought three I like it so much. And for this price it's a steal. Highly recommend it

Dr Yam

30th August 2017

if you like medicinal smoke it has it, if you like delicate it has that as well, sweet? It's got you covered there as well. No it's not the 10 or the quarter cask, or the 18 or any other so don't expect it to be them, it's it's own expression and should be approached as such. At first I did not like it at all, tasted like leaving a glass of 10 out over night then drinking it the next morning. A couple of weeks later I returned to it and it's flavors opened up to me. Great stuff when you find it cheaper than the others for sure.

7th July 2017

If it didn't say "Laphroaig" on the bottle, folks would be raving about this "lighter" Islay malt. Select is a great introduction to Islay, alongside Bowmore 12 (which is less smoky and definitely sweeter). I got a bottle as a gift and I really enjoy it. Not as bold as 10 or Quarter Cask, but wonderfully balanced with some brine and coffee on the finish. Sláinte!

22nd April 2017

"Oh, Laphroaig lite!" I moaned as I opened this birthday gift...from my 88 YO Nan. I;d seen the scathing comments. I'm a heavy hitter, me. Tried and loved every version Of "Laphroaig Cask Strength" back in the day. Got through countless bottles Of Quarter Cask. Swooned over The 25 YO at A tasting At The distillery - a quite exceptional dram; Won and loved a sample of "Lore." Really enjoyed The PX.. Then I nosed the Select.. WHAT A surprise! And the Taste..what's not To love And enjoy? .Sure I;ve come across longer finishes, but...I had to admit I found myself really REALLY enjoying it. Immediately reminded me of The PX, but lighter. It has subtleties that distinguish it From The 10 YO. As someone has written, if this wasn't Laphroaig it would get higher ratings! Perhaps it's their summer version. But IMHO it stands in its own right as a worthy Islay dram...

6th March 2017

So, of course it's not the 10 Yo, but let's be fair, it's not a bad dram. Typically peaty but with a heather honey sweetness you don't expect. Iodine notes and a light smoky first impression. Lacks a bit of strength but still delivers it's Islay heritage.

25th February 2017

Mediocre after the first taste. It seems nice at first, but if you are looking for something special try through PX Cask. Once tasted try it again with a very small amount of water for a wonderful yet subtle change in flavour. The PX in my opinion is a superior whisky.

18th February 2017

I don't get why the reviews are so bad on this I'm drinking this right now and thoroughly enjoying it. First thing I notice is the smoothness incredibly smooth and drinkable with that medicinal peaty laphroaig goodness. Good complexity to this too and no added color only downside is that it's 40% abv. I honestly think I might like the flavor on this more than the 10 year classic I love the hints of sherry fruit in this. For less than $40 very happy with this. Cheers! The sugarbear

10th January 2017

I will say its a wonderful clean taste to it. With a lage mix of peaty and a small salty islay finish with small fruit taste running into the whiskey and washes into your mouth. I do prefer the quater cask as its richer. But this is a nice whiskey.

26th December 2016

If this select was from another brand would the reviews be different? Because it's not like another Laphroaig is it down rated?

22nd December 2016

An emasculated Laphroaig. Where is the medicinal nose? The peat has been watered down. This is a shadow of the whisky I know and love. It's not a bad whisky I suppose, just not proper Laphroaig. Back to the Quarter Cask, or the 10yr old.

5th December 2016

Much less character, depth and balance than the 10, and it's only $5 less than the 10 in my town. Not a bad dram, perhaps a "bridge" to Islay for the uninitiated? Dunno, sticking with the 10.

2nd December 2016

Less flavours than other Laphroaigs, yes that's about it. It doesn't taste bad at all though!

18th November 2016

It has quite less flavours than the 10 years, everything is less but if you find this for the right price, give it a buy! (here on MoM and in Sweden it's to expensive to buy when you have Laphroaig 10 for almost the same price)

18th November 2016

If you love Laphroaig, don't buy this. I just did, for my birthday. It tastes so bad I can't even drown my sorrows. Think I'm gonna have a ginger tea.

11th November 2016

A very confused mix of sherry, peat and iodine. All doing a battle on the nose and palate, with cringe worthy results. Not sure what the aim was here at all. It's not very well integrated and there's not enough complexity to salvage it, even at this price point...

26th October 2016

Good nose, other than that disappointing. Only bottled at 40%and probably chill filtered. It shows. As a big laphroaig fan I will skip this for the 10 or QC.

23rd October 2016

Very palatable

18th June 2016

"Laid back" looks suspiciously like a euphemism for "not very good". I have not actually tried it, so this is not a review, but a marketing alert. Sounds like some sub-par casks have been blended, bottled and punted out way overpriced. May even (wild guess) be matured in hybrid casks made up of assorted staves of the woods mentioned in the description (such casks exist in the industry I am told- and are shipped in, flat-packed in bits). I would imagine it's like a supermarket generic Isla- you wouldn't complain at £20- but £36 is a joke. Like I say-- I don't know-- it's only an opinion based on it having no age statement... which is a bit much for something that costs £36 . Probably for the US market where they murder it with ice and won't know good from bad.

16th June 2016

If stronger peat and smokey notes is not limed avoid this. The sweet note is easy noted but an almost over powering peatnote first assaults the senses.. Four drops of water opened this to develip the subtelr tobes. Interesting but not to my taste

10th June 2016

I found this an enjoyable change from the big peated Islay's. Sure its a tad different and mellower for want of a better word, but this is a good thing IMHO & theres no mistaking it's origins & I will definately buy again

9th June 2016

Ive tasted different styles of Laphroaig. With an open mind Select is very good, IT has Laphroaig s typical peat, but abit laidback and sweet and abit like a smoked cherry ricola.

15th May 2016

The entry isn't quite as smoky and smooth as my beloved Laphroaig Quarter Cask, but it mellows out nicely in very short order. The smoky peat on the nose is not reflected on the palate whatsoever. Those who appreciate a big, bombastic Laphroaig will find the Select Cask frightfully plain. There's a sweetness here that in some ways balances the peat, but in other ways, almost overshadows it. There is definitely a vaguely medicinal note in the body of the palate, for me a bit off-putting, but still manages to pique my curiosity. I can certainly pick out the spices -- cloves, allspice, nutmeg all come to mind. On the whole, this is a whisky that's hard for me to gauge. Do I like it? Do I not? I wouldn't be comfortable saying an emphatic yes or no to either question. Basically, if I were given a bottle, I'd accept it and drink it gratefully. However, for roughly the same money, I can get the vastly superior (in my opinion) Quarter Cask. I like the Select Cask okay, but I doubt I'll buy another bottle, particularly if the QC is sitting next to it, beckoning.

2nd April 2016

I cant understand the negative reviews, this is a lovely drink and a welcome deviation from the classic 10yo - the usual suspects are still all in there, but with a slightly different ending - i'll certainly buy it again

12th February 2016

Disappointing - for the American market?

20th January 2016

as expected...it is an excellent whiskey...I keep buying it again and again.

17th January 2016

Really disappointed with it, but other distillers do similar ie Jura Superstition and Glenlivet Founder's Reserve, which in my opinion, are pale derivatives of their more illustrious peers.
My maxim is, if it doesn't display an age ie 10yr/15yr etc...leave well alone.
Love the 'vesta curry' analogy below :)

28th December 2015

Not usual Laphroaig, but lovely drop as always from this distillery. Peat, sea salt, marzipan, citrus -you got it all. Oak is quite well present as well. Simply I love it.

21st December 2015

I love this drop, even when it deviates a bit from classic Laphroaig. Peat is there, yes, then ripe red fruits and oak, sherry cask ?! A hint of dryness at the end with a florally finish, bit of almond and citrus'y aftertaste.
Definitely salt sea nose all the way. Well done Laphroaig.

21st December 2015

Like other reviewers I find this one confused. Perhaps a good introduction to islay whiskies but not one I'll be buying again. I just can't see where it fits in the crowded market of decent but ultimately unexciting whiskies.

16th December 2015

A confused whisky. Unlike others from the Island, lacks identity. A gentle introduction to Islay but no competition to the 15 yr. Old.

7th December 2015

I only bought this as it was £24 reduced from £35. First time I've tried a peated malt and will be the last.
Upon opening it smelt like kippers, and lo and behold it tastes like them too... kippers soaked in TCP.
Worst single malt I've ever had and now I feel ill.

21st November 2015

Soft peat flavours are more than made up for by often masked flavours in other strong smoky whiskeys from Laphroaig and other Islay producers. A pleasant drink with a touch of chilled water or an ice cube to bring out all the characters from the many casks.

One of my personal favourites for when I want a bold scotch but nothing too peaty.

10th November 2015

It's reminds me of a blend...it's pleasant but a bit confused, a badged sports car without the engine. Certainly not medicinal like Lagavulin or Ardbeg 10 yo , it's oily and light, like Lagavulin but lacks the iodine and kind of simmers out to a pepper note where fruit develops but then doesn't....then finishes with pepper but no punch.. Will put this aside for friends to introduce them to Islay , too light on for me.

19th July 2015

I'd imagine that some of the negative reviews for this new expression of Laphroaig are from hardcore peat lovers who are disappointed by its relatively laid back nature. Now don't get me wrong, I truly love Ardbeg, Lagavulin and Laphroaig's various peat monsters but that doesn't mean we can't have whiskies like Select with its stunning chocolatey nose and beautifully well balanced sweet/savoury flavour. Here the peat dominates but doesn't overpower. At first I was a little underwhelmed as I was expecting that medicinal slap to the senses. It's there alright but just stood back a little. Once you adjust your expectations you'll find an utterly delightful single malt that has a nice sherried edge to it, great breadth of flavour and a perfectly drawn out finish. Highly recommend.

5th July 2015

I love the peaty Islay style but also equally enjoy single malts from all over - yes I like variety. Now Laphroaig Select is an entry level offering which in my view encapsulates what Laphroaig is all about without too much emphasis on any particular aspect of their usual medicinal, smoky, peaty heavyweights. So an easier to get to grips with dram that I am very happy with. I will not look to this for a cold winters night by the fire but sitting in shorts and T-shirt on the patio as the sun goes down - perfect.

26th June 2015

I bought this expecting a true Laphroaig, which for the record I have been drinking since I was given a miniature by my parents as a 20 something and was immediately hooked. I usually drink it neat. I opened this with some exitement, the nose was there, just, but I found it weak, and slightly bitter on the palate with little longevity. Not in Laphroaig tradition. I have nothing against change, as long it's for the better, which in my humble opinion this isn't regrettably. I will suffer it to the finish, and then put it down to experience. I shall put this in the same category as a Vesta Curry, curry for people who don't like curry, well this is Laphroaig for people who don't like Laphroaig.

6th June 2015

It has a raft of different flavours attacking not only your taste buds but also your nasal receptors. I found that it came across as quite strong for a 40%, but very moorish and you can definitely taste the different casks. I have two bottles, the first of which has a different taste every time i open it (the second one is yet to be opened ;). Flavours i found are: Citrus = 4/10, smoke = 7/10, peat = 6/10, hops = 6/10, spice = 5/10 and sweetness 4/10 (sporadic) and usually to the end of the note. Complete different whisky if you add a splash of water. Overall give it a go, there is no such thing is a bad whisky!

27th May 2015

This is not nice. It's very young and quite harsh. A bit like someone poured a dodgy sherry butt into a vat of young Laphroaig and tried to mix it together, with terrible results. £35 a bottle? No thanks Laphroaig. Please invest in the future of the 10 year old instead, at this price point.

7th May 2015

A chilly evening in Hong Kong (yes, we get cold weather) found me sampling the Laphroaig Select. I was surprised by its quality: the peat was there, but not too harsh and the citrus came through. I'd certainly get another bottle.

6th February 2015

I must say that I find this a very interesting dram. Having tried the 10yo Laphroaig and I find it too peaty. I find it overpowering. But this is a whole different story it has that peat smoke but not too much and it really does have other wonderful subtle flavours. For me one of the most delicate Islay malts I've tried.

10th January 2015

For my nose and palate I find a wee drop of water helps bring it out.

8th January 2015

I'm really not sure what they've tried to do with this but it definitely hasn't worked. Not even in the same universe as Laphroaig 10 or the Quarter Cask. It doesn't have anywhere near the body of flavour or mouthfeel. I was massively disappointed. Avoid!!

5th January 2015

Been a fan of the medicinal, peaty beauties that are the Quarter Cask and the Ten Year old for years so when I saw this one I leapt in without checking the reviews. Big Mistake. This one really needs to remove the tag line of 'the most richly flavoured of all Scottish Whiskies'. In my humble opinion this a poor offering. Lacking in peat it tastes young and unfulfilling on the palate. I can't believe I'm going to say this but its going to end up as a mixer with some Drambuie.

28th December 2014

My first impression on opening this was that it didn't have quite the same aroma of peat and smoke that I'd expect from a Laphroaig.
Honestly my inner drunkard was slightly disappointed and thinking "Hmm. Not sure about this one".

Having actually sampled it, it's really very nice.

It's definitely lighter, more mainstream Whisky than your standard Laphroaig so not for purists but potentially an excellent gateway drug for anyone who's been scared off by the more hardcore smoky, peaty, burnt out campfire, "love it or hate it" singles.

Despite my initial reservations this is very drinkable and more-ish.

Put it this way, this bottle is unlikely to outlive the Festive season and I'm pretty sure I'd buy another one.

26th December 2014

Can there be anything better in life than to sit at ones fireside with my old dog Camilla a glass of Laphroaig in hand and talk to my plants. The nearest I will get to feeling like a King. Charles W.

6th December 2014

I have enjoyed Laphroaig for eight years, 10 year old, Quarter cask, and Signatory Vintage. This SELECT is a mixture of various casks, and first thought is the distillery is making the most of a bunch of left over casks. Next, I would expect a 46% or 48% bottling for a special, and at 40% I was expecting a standard boring product. Well, I have been pleasantly surprised as this is my favourite blend of Laphroaig single malts. To avoid disappointment in the future, I have a case and am thinking of getting another!

6th December 2014

No age statement as it is far too young and you can taste it. Keep to the ten year old. Beware of no age statement malts like this.

1st December 2014

Absolutely marvelous drop of Laphroaig distillery.
The classic peat nose is there immediately but a lot of different flavors and aroma. Citracal, maybe peaches and cherry all wrapped up in vanilla. Palate is sweet with domination of lemon and pancake, maybe cereal in smoke. Finish is lovely lemon peel again and long lasting smoke.
I love this little beauty, MUST for all Laphroaig fans. :-))

25th November 2014

realy like it, a bit diffrent to the 10 year I use to drink.

5th November 2014

Picked a bottle of this up for a bargain £25 in my local supermarket. I've read the bad reviews which seem to amount to the fact that it isn't just the same old Laphroaig as always. Its definitely something different with the peaty backbone of a classic Laphroaig, the nose still has that pungent smokiness, i don't get sweetness as such, perhaps a bittersweetness. Its the palate where Select really differentiates itself, its much lighter and not overpowered by the heavy pettiness of a 10, a bit thinner but no less invigorating. Im pleased that its naturally coloured although a cask strength would have been even more welcome. I loved this and thought it was a bargain and something very different but with an unmistakable Laphroaig peatiness at its core. Wonderful

4th November 2014

I laughed out loud when i read "it certainly isn't a true Laphroaig" some people, eh?. I picked up a bottle of this with trepidation but I've really enjoyed some progressive drams that the old fuddy duddies seriously disliked, so i wasn't too worried. Some people hate change and it appears that to some people every Laphroaig has to be as gloomier and more peatily oppressive than the one before.

I admire the bravery with this, la frog is such an established experience and maybe a little bit too serious for some. On opening the nose is very familiar peaty smokiness but maybe a little softer, the palate is more spirity smokey and clean and quite light, a real departure from a 10. It is reminiscent of some of the marvellous young bottlings i tried during Feis Isle and for some reason reminds me of the fantastic Kilchoman Machir Bay bottlings. more peaty but no less interesting. I really enjoyed this alongside a wonderful 21 year old Glendronach and it held its own in my household. Seems to be quite cheap in the stores as well so i may stock up on some. One mans trash is another mans treasure.

25th October 2014

Most Laphroaigs that I have had like the 10, QC and 18 all have an amazing peaty, iodine-y hospital like flavor. That is the beauty of laphroaig that makes me keep coming back for more. Certain people though like the smoother and slightly sweeter malts. They are put off by the heavy smoke the classic islays that most of us love. That’s where the select comes in. It’s a beginner malt for someone willing to try an Islay. The smoke is there but it’s hiding behind a bit of toffee. Add a drop of water and it bursts into a very honeyed sweetness with a hint of smoke right at the end. I wouldn’t recommend it for the Islay heads but it’s a good start if Laphroaig wants to make a malt without the heavy peat. All in all I'd say a decent 7/10

23rd October 2014

Another sad monument to the 'get it out there quick' brigade. It may be "pleasant and a nice gentle dram' but it certainly isn't a true Laphroaig. Why compromise a great product in the chase for quick profits? By the way MOM YOU really should be able to spell the word Laphroaig correctly - not as you show at the head of the bottling note!

20th August 2014

I was very lucky to try this at the distillery in May, shortly before it was officially released. Sitting out on the bay at the back of the visitor centre in the sunshine this went down very well indeed.

It's lacking the peaty, earthy punch of the house-style that seasoned peat-heads will certainly see as a weakness. In its own right, it's very fruity and light and refreshing. I'd happily have this in the garden on a sunny day in place of a gin and keep the smoky, oily, hearty whisky in the cabinet until Wintertime.

16th August 2014

The nose is classic but then it's slightly downhill. Not as good as the 10 and far short if the QC this is a good intro to Laphroaig but ultimately a let down. Nice idea poorly executed. The only
Laphroaig without a long finish! If I could I would swap a full bottle of select for half a bottle of QC.

Worth trying but maybe wait for a friend to buy a bottle and have a glass of theirs, then you can buy a bottle of the kick ass cask strength instead.

14th July 2014

A shadow of a Laphroaig

5th July 2014

As a huge Laphroaig fan I was rather excited to see this new bottling arrive in the post. What I was expecting was something that is complex and would require time to open up due to the range of different cask influences. I am now half way down the bottle and unfortunately for me this release doesn't reflect the typical Laphroaig quality we fans are used to. Select has some of the Laphroaig peat reek but not the blast that the other bottlings provide. Select is another no age statement release alongside Quarter Cask, Triple Wood & Cairdeas. It is good to see Laphroaig cutting back on the caramel for this bottling which I would encourage for all of the range. Select in my opinion is let down with the strength at just 40%. To wrap this up this is a very young Laphroaig which was a bold experiment and good enough for entry level drinkers but for me their 10 year old is far superior and the cask strength even more so.

9th June 2014

I bought a bottle of this and was looking forward to spending an evening with the contents within. What a disappointment.
Bland, insipid, weak, almost as if it had been watered down and then watered down some more. Buy the 10 year or Quater cask instead

6th June 2014