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.
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.
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!
"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...
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.
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.
