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.
Don't get the negative reviews. This is not a pricey Laphroaig, its an intro, as such is a really nice easy drinking dram. Great nose, peaty medicinal on top, coco powder sprinkles below, palette is slightly peaty with zesty underlay, little minty, apply, baking spice, yep; finish ..nice, warming ...great. Everything is understated and subdued, its not a full on Laphroaig but doesn't pretend to be …. this is only 40% and so easy drinking and very moreish....I think its great for the price and value and where it is, an entry level Laphroaig. Man poor one glass finish it and then resist to pour another, I dare you! I've got lots of other more expensive and more "complex" singles in my cupboard, but I'll still be tempted to have one more of the L'g Select anyway. Infact I'll have one more right now, Slàinte mhath!
first time i've tried laphroaig select. taste like tcp antiseptic should it?
I like Laphroaig and this one is a bit less smoky peaty than the others I've had, not necessarily a bad thing. I would like to know how old it is though. Bought for the first time yesterday (£25), because I'd run out of 10yo Bushmills. An agreeable wee drop however, notwithstanding some of the comments below.
Big fan of the the 10yo. This though is just nasty. Harsh, syrupy, not remotely worthy of the name. Bad move, chaps.
For less than 25 quid a bottle, this is my go to everyday tipple. Granted its not going to challenge you, but for a little light sparring, just the job.
