Review #19 Laphroaig 10yr: Scotch

Score: 8.9 / 10 Distillery: Laphroaig Type: Islay Single Malt

One of the most iconic and best whiskey brands for the island region of Islay Scotland, A perfect entry level whisky for anyone looking to try out a peat monster for the first time without breaking the bank! You know exactly what you are getting into because of the little booklet that accompanies most bottles. In the booklet, there is a picture of a guy raking bog (which is how the moss used for peated whiskey is collected) with a look on his face that says, sir I'm not sure we should be raking here. I can only imagine a loud grumbling voice yelling, "KEEP RAKING!" Jokes aside this is one of my favorite Islay scotches for the price.

If you truly enjoy this scotch as much as I do, you should try to snag the Laphroaig Triple-Wood Cardias Cask Strength. I accidentally misused this one for an experiment that involved making an old fashioned. Of course I wasn't expecting that to be good, but honestly it wasn't too bad. I do regret it now as I stare at the empty bottle.

Whisky Review:

Nose: First sensation is salt / brine, which quickly changes into peat, soot and caramel, fading into ethanol, more salt and hay / grass Palate: Peat and sulfur shine through right up front with a salty / sweet combination that tends to alternate on the tongue. Finish: Medium finish. Peat and other notes combine to form a strong leather and rubber sensation. A little salt to close it out with a tannic finish.

Score 8.9

Scale: S+ Sensational - The Pinnacle (9.5+)

A - AXEceptional (astounding) (9-9.5)

B - bravo (step aBove average) (8-8.9)

C - competent (7-7.9)

D - disappointing (6-6.9)

F - flush it down the toilet (fail) (5.9 below)

Notes: Availability? Common. Almost very common. You can get this at almost any liquor store that you drive by no matter how many bars are on the windows.

I'm hoping eventually to visit Scotland and swing by the distillery. Even though one simply does not swing by Islay as it can be pretty hard to access. With that, I'll leave you to your fantastic night of Laphroaig 10yr. Slainte mhath!