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.
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I really love it. To coin a phrase.... "Fab. U Lous" !
Had this and the 10 in the same weekend. Whilst the 10 was a bit too much for me, this seemed a little bland and watery. It's ok, an easy drinker but if you're looking for something lightly peated there are others that are better with more body and longer finish.
I went through two bottles of the select. One bought in Hampstead, the other in Brussels. The second just to make sure there hadn't been something amiss with the first. This is the most disjoint single malt I have ever experienced with a raw, almost Irish whiskey, oakiness, and odd citrus notes protruding from a weak smoky background. This is the only Islay I have ever disliked.
Wary, but gave it a go and it's lovely. I'm open to all styles of whisky, rich, light, smoky, fruity, there's room for all, it's all in the balance. Never been a huge fan of Laphroaig's medicinal punch but this expression dials it back just right for me. It's still there but it's subtle and doesn't dominate. Along with the peat there's lots more going on but it's all beautifully balanced in a light (but not wishy washy), bright and very high quality whisky. Laphroaig Light is right, but that's not a denigration by any means.
mild, not too peaty, smooth. I may buy again. I was a regular Laphroaig drinker, but having cut down on spirits, this was a welcome return to Laphroaig.
