For the Laphroaig Oak Select, the Islay distillery has taken whisky from a number of different types of cask, including oloroso sherry butts, white American oak, Pedro Ximenez seasoned hoggies, quarter casks, and first-fill bourbon casks. Quite a selection, wouldn't you say? A laid-back addition to the Laphroaig core range of single malts.
Classic, medicinal peat notes up front, supported by citrus-y, chocolate-y sweet notes and soft barley.
The peat is there, but it's taking it easy and letting the bright notes of lemon, green apples and mint stand out. Darker baking spice notes develop further on.
Medium length, peat remaining in sight until it's over.
It doesn't pack a huge punch of peat, which might be just the ticket for introducing someone to the wonders of Islay's smoky expressions.
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
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!
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.
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.
A shadow of a Laphroaig
