A terrific introduction to a superbly peated range.
The Laphroaig distillery was founded in 1815 by Donald and Alexander Johnston and is located in Port Ellen, Isle of Islay. Although Laphroaig isn't allowed to put the prefix ‘Royal’ in its name (yet!), rumour has it his royal princeness Charles of Wales is a fan of the ‘L’ Whisky. The 15-year-old is reportedly the prince's favourite Scotch. For a long while there’s been frenzy for Laphroaig’s Scotch, especially for the less available expressions.
Laphroaig Select is the latest permanent addition to the Laphroaig range. Select is aged in a combination of American white oak, Oloroso Sherry butts, hogsheads seasoned with Pedro Ximenez, quarter casks and first-fill Bourbon casks. Whoa, quite a lot going on!
It’s a little smoother than the Laphroaig 10 we are probably all used to and is a really interesting expression from one of the best distilleries in Scotland.
The Flavor Spiral™ shows the most common flavors that you'll taste in Laphroaig Select and gives you a chance to have a taste of it before actually tasting it.
We invented Flavor Spiral™ here at Flaviar to get all your senses involved in tasting drinks and, frankly, because we think that classic tasting notes are boring.
Dog Dogson's
Smartass Corner
Single Malt Scotch Whisky is made in Scotland using a pot still distillation process at a single distillery, with malted barley as the only grain ingredient. It must be matured in oak casks in Scotland for at least three years (most Single Malts are matured longer, though).
Sapore troppo forte sia al naso che al palato, too much per me. Si sente anche abbastanza l’alcol.
Joe,
Seaweed. Couldn’t finish.
Alexander,
Overly peaty for my taste. Like sipping smoke.
Robert,
All good single malt scotch should list the number of years aged. Hence, the lower rating. I dare you to find out how many years it's been aged! Good luck, but stick with the 10yr IMHO.
Susanna,
This Bottle was a smoothier Laphroaig than what I am used to. It was so good I could buy another Bottle.
Drew,
This is a great introduction to those trying to get into peaty scotches. If you are a veteran in the Islay scotches, you probably ones like this. It’s nowhere as nice as the 10 year or the quarter cask. Because I like strong peat, I would classify this one as weak, but hey, it hasn’t been aged, so the hints of peat and smoke are pretty dang close. The price is a bit high, but worth it if you want to get into it.
Drew,
Won’t*
Ivan,
This is the worst scotch I have ever tasted. Even below red label. It tastes like a watered down version of Laphroaig 10 with a huge imbalance of citrusy flavors. Only for mixers.
Kris,
Heavy peat and sea salt spray on the nose followed by even heavier peat, although a light mouthfeel. Unfortunately all you get is a peaty bitter aftertaste, even after opening up a bit with some water.
Stephan,
Overpowering peaty smoke
Elliot,
Very easy to drink, with a sweet flavour. Although, I find myself longing for that big bold flavour I've come to expect from other Laphroaig bottles.
Drew,
Absolutely
Ben,
It does taste like a hospital so go for it to honor our healthcare workers.
Jon,
A decent Isla Scotch for the price.
Matthew,
Smoke city boyyyyy. Very peat heavy if you are into that. Like drinking a smouldering campfire.
Gary,
Excellent for sipping.
Dale,
Full disclosure, not a fan of heavy peat...that being said, overwhelmingly peaty! Tried to taste the subtle nuisances of the beverage, but couldn't get past the taste of the peat. To each their own.
Brian,
Notes of caramel and vanilla danced on my taste buds.
Nate,
My favorite Islay influenced Scotch
Brandon,
I like it
brandon,
Very aggressive smoke peat taste. Off-putting for some. I rather enjoy the complexity. My first Scotch
Shauna,
very peaty, taste leather, dark flavor, with nice floral finish. not for me.
Thomas,
Simply amazing scotch with a nice smokey flavor with a wonderful finish. Will by again.
Judah,
Supremely Smokey with a smooth finish. Good for the price.
Best Whisky I've tried to date, absolutely delicious.
Smokey, Peaty, and hints of Caramel.
Highly recommend! 10/10
Forrest,
Not as complex as the 10 year for a few bucks more but love the peat. A solid buy.
Zachary,
Great peat flavor that I love.
guest,
Good smokiness
Owen,
I’m a fan of the smoked peat in this
John,
Sadly I'm not into that much peat
Philippe-Antoine,
This is an very good example that NAS can be just as good as any aged whisky.
guest,
Peaty nose, red fruits, sweet and round palate and a medium finish. Like this introduction of Laphroaig.
Mehdi,
I only have tried Lore from this distillery before. Compare to Lore , it is rounded and less complex. Has a burnt taste that jumps out but is not harsh. I only recommend it to peat and medicinal taste lovers.
guest,
Definitely has the base of a laphroaig whiskey, but has funky tastes which brings down its quality
Marques,
Veeeeery peaty. If you love peat, you *might* love this. If you don't absolutely love peat you probably won't like this bottle. As someone else said, it's not for the faint of heart.
Gary,
Exactly what Islay should taste like, the best all around scotch on the island.
Steve,
Laphroaig is my favorite distillery but this is probably my least favorite bottle they have made. I enjoy a good amount of peat, who wouldnt that likes laphroaig, but this is just a strange concentration of peat, it was too much for me to really enjoy it. I had a glass and put the bottle away.
guest,
Smokey and peaty
Pete,
Not for the faint of heart, but a peat lover's dream dram! Complex and captivating to start with strong phenols and peat punching you in the face. An extraordinarily long, smoky finish with hints of hickory, dried fruit, almond extract and molasses. The finish is what keeps me going back for another pull.
Andilee,
Smooth and peaty. A go to Laphroaig.
Scott,
Very peaty as you’d expect it to be. Different profile than the 10 year, not as heavy. Definite sherry flavors and the usual iodine and seaweed, but all restrained. I prefer the the full wave power of the 10 year.
Cynthia,
Didn't lie the the past taste.
Matthew,
TL;DR...Laphroaig 10 is better get it instead.
I cannot express how much you should avoid this bottling from one of my favorite distillers. Everything that you come to expect from Laphroaig is “off.” I suspect that it has to do with how it was finished. The nose is very peaty, as it should be, but the initial flavors are between rawhide and green wood. The peat lingers and changes to a dusty chalky old leather finish.
After adding some ice, the strong rawhide and wood taste changed just enough to make it palatable, but just enough to drink the bottle I have, not to buy another.
guest,
Spannende Nase, haselnussiger und erdig/feuriger Geschmack, kaum Brand, nicht sehr rauchig
Wien, 06/18
guest,
Nice smoky smell
Eugene,
Not as smoky as I expected!
Brita,
A good basic Isley. very peaty
WENDELL,
Classic Laphroaig in most ways, but made a bit different by the oak finishing! It's a bit hard to tell if it was priced a bit high or not, but...free shipping certainly helps!
Joshua,
Shows its NAS self, underwhelming
justin,
Love the smoky taste. Very smooth
Bill,
Have ordered a couple of sample packs, and considering ordering "The Exceptional" Collection.. Love what I've had, it has expanded my whiskey experience and helped me get employed in the wine and spirits industry here in WA state!! Thank you!
Maxwell,
A good whisky, not as peaty as other Laphroaig expressions, well balanced and a good whisky to introduce someone to peat
Ty,
I love heavily peated scotch, but something is wrong with this expression. I think the new oak cask finish ruins this dram. I worked my way through an entire bottle trying to like it, but Select is just not enjoyable. Not balanced, some off-putting flavors, and even the signature Laphroaig peatiness is off. Sorry, just buy the 10 instead. Better yet, if you're looking for nuanced heavy peat at this price point, get some Ardbeg 10.
Robert,
Sorry. Way to much peat and smoke for me. I know it is the favorite for some and for them I highly recommend it. If you want a smother scotch I would say look to another.