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.
There are very few whiskies i don't like but this is one. Even at £30 a bottle you would have to say its poor value for money
As an avid Laphroaig drinker from my early 20's, I was suckered by "select" some years ago when it was on offer at a large supermarket. What a disappointment. Whoever thought up Select for this bottling should be ashamed of themselves. Smacks if a Marketing Man tosspot who understands marketing, but not Whisky. It's the Vesta Curry of Whiskies for folk who don't like Laphroaig
My first delve in to the Laphroaig brand as this was on offer, and I can see why. It's like having a waft of Dettol before a mouthful of a TCP & cough candy mix. Should have went for the 10 year. Oh well, live and learn. I'll not abandon Laphroaig just yeat.
Managed to drink my first glass. I’m getting hints of a kind of swimming pool flavour mixed with petrol. It’s probably a good whisky to have if you’re trying to stop drinking. I will leave this at the back of the cupboard for emergencies only. Quite poor even at £22. Laphroaig WTF?
LAPHROAIG 'Select' Slightly lighter and in some ways better constructed that Laphroaig 10. In my opinion, it just requires a touch more peat/smoke to establish a considerable following....Best wishes, Rhuairi MacLeod - 16th March 2023
