Review #77 Laphroaig 10yr Cask Strength: Scotch

Score: 9.0 / 10

Distillery: Laphroaig

Type: Islay Single Malt Scotch

About a year ago I bought a bottle of Laphroaig 10 to share with my whisky club. I thoroughly enjoy the Laphroaig line and it is definitely one of the best scotch whisky brands. Plus it's really entertaining to share with friends that have never had heavily peated Scotch before. Seriously. You have to try this just to see their faces lol.

Like most distilleries on the isle of Islay, Laphroaig is super old. Founded in 1815. How many times have they made their 10 year Cask strength? Just think about that for a second. It really is impressive. It is a fantastic scotch. Owned by Beam Suntory the behemoth that will eventually take over the world and they are bringing Laphroaig along for the ride.

Whiskey Review:

Nose: Intense charred wood and simmering campfire smoke. Medicinal peat juxtaposed with sweet and inviting fruits (grape, plum and apple).

Palate: Oily coating and surprisingly sweet. Vanilla, sugar coated grapes, red apple and a touch of honey blossom on the palate, while ubiquitous smoke lies in the background. The mouthfeel changes halfway through becoming fiercely carbonated and sizzling on the tongue. At this point a fiery cinnamon spice ignites, giving way to smothering earthy peat.

Finish: Medicinal peat, spiced wood and a touch of cacao dry out the mouth and linger for a long while. Persistent smokiness dawdles while other flavors slowly fade.

Score: 9.0

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? Uncommon. You won't find these at the place around the corner. As with most cask strengths they are produced less than normal versions. Also chock that up to less water added = less whiskey period.