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.
3 stars is a fair review for this Laphroaig light. It is a nice whisky and as it is cheaper than other Laphroaigs, this is fair enough. It is not as nice as the 10 or the Quarter Cask but is not a bad gift to receive from someone who knows you like whisky, but doesn't know whisky. A good entry to Laphroaig too for your friend who likes whisky but is yet a tough enough drinker to enjoy the power of peat.
I really enjoy the 10, and like to alternate between that and Ardbeg 10. But this? No. No, no, no, no, no. If I’d bought it as a supermarket’s “anonymous” Islay whisky for an appropriate price I’d shrug it off, but I’m really not impressed that this carries the Laphroiag name.
I really enjoyed this dram. Full disclosure I compared it to compass box peat monster. I liked the sweet and smoke. Yes the nose is medicinal and iodine, but it's Laphroaig so that is expected. This is a great after dinner or late evening dram sitting in your favorite chair listening to relaxing music or chatting with friends. Good value too. Good entry into Laphroaig and not as intense as other offerings by Laphroaig. Still prefer Talisker 10 or Ardbeg 10, but this is solid.
Very well balanced whiskey The smoke doesn't over power other notes, it lets you enjoy all the flavours and a cloud of smoke is released once you swallow.
I have written a few reviews of whiskies I have tried, this is the only one I haven't liked, as a "Friend" of the distillery it gives me no pleasure to say, that in my humble opinion, this one misses the mark for me.
