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.
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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?
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!
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.
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.
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
