Laphoaig 10 years old

Laphoaig 10 years old

A review by Tommy Byrne

Overall rating: 8,8/10 (Single Malt notation)

A couple years ago, I was shopping for wine and whisky glasses with a friend. It was just at that time when I was getting more interested in the fascinating world of whisky, doing more readings on the subject, than tastings. Obviously, our conservation soon shifted from the glasses to Islay malts and how, according to my friend, Laphroaig was clearly standing in a different dimension. For him, it was pure gasoline. Good gasoline that is! I yet never had tasted it and couldn’t wait to get my hands on the legendary green bottle.

Even if you’re having this delicate “shy gold” nectar in your small studio apartment, Laphroaig will make you travel miles away. On one hand, your olfactory sense may suggest you’re somewhere breathing the saline air of Port Ellen next to an artisanal smoked herring facility. On the other hand, you may think you’re in an old hospital; medicinal aromas, solvents and camphor elements are clearly present. I find the palate smoother than expected from the nose. The earthy compounds derived from early stages of the malting process, takes overs the fishiness sent and leads to coffee beans roasting on the last embers of a smoky bonfire. Unlike Lagavulin fresh pipe tobacco impressions, the long finish of Laphroaig evokes more of cigarette smoke… without its bad implications!

There are very little shades of gray when it comes to Laphroaig, people usually love it or hate it. Unlike too many Speyside whiskies, Laphroaig takes a stand. It’s bold and rugged. Not cocky, but proud. It clearly advocates excess. Leaving no one indifferent, it’s unquestionably not a whisky for bland centrist. It’s the best value for money in the market to my own opinion. Together with its 2 years older Quarter Cask expression, Laphoaig 10 is my bottle of choice.