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.
It's like Laphroaig lite, but the more I drink it, the more I like it. Less complex and lighter, younger tasting than the original, but the notes are there and still more interesting than a lot of cheaper island malts. It's not a classic, but I like it!
I was dubious at first with the price disparity between the Select and the 10 year old. For fans of the 10 YO, you don't have that really smokey/medicinal flavour that is surnominous with Laphroig. If you are a fan of the 10 YO this may come across as a disappointment, due to the lack of nose, palate and finish in comparison. However, for me the Select is smoother and for anyone wanting to try Laphroig for the first time or just trying whiskey, I would recommend this to start with, as you do get the taste of the 10 YO, just more toned down.
Given to me as a Xmas present. A VERY unpleasant medicinal smell and taste. I have considered giving it to someone else but this might end a friendship!!
I drink the 10-year old version and I drink quarter cask, but frankly I think this has been selected from all the failures at the distillery and cobbled together, rough tasting unpleasant don't bother, I know it's cheap but you will be better off buying a more expensive laphroaig like the other two I have named
Hospital taste
