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.
Is it bad? No, it isn't. But where I come from it comes at about the same price as the 10 y.o. and some 3 Euros below the quarter casket. For this price I'll never ever buy this one again.
A NAS whisky. Citrus and spice in the mouth and a lovely light peat right to the conclusion of the finish. An excellent sipping Laphroaig at an affordable price.
Awful. Tastes and smells like TCP.
I'm not a great fan of the 10 year old, but all the rest are superb! The Select is certainly one of my favourites as an everyday dram. The PX and Quarter Cask are for special occasions.
I think the tasting notes are accurate. I like peaty malts, but understand they can be overpowering to the uninitiated. This has peaty notes, but the other flavors come through and is easy to drink. Great to share with friends with friends who may not be whisky connoisseurs.
