Laphroaig Select
40% ABV - Islay, Scotland
Nose: Peat! My old friend! This has a lighter and sweeter peat than most of Laphroaig’s official bottlings. There are quite a few interesting notes: cherry, lime, nuts, and spices.
Taste: Very grassy, peat smoke – a bit vegetal, heavy char, pepper, and some faint tropical fruits (thinking pineapple mostly).
Finish: A bit dry, earthy peat, smoke, and spices.
Hands down, I am a Friend of Laphroaig. I was so impressed with this offering, and so happy they Select-ed “the heart of the spirit” from new American Oak casks. I think anyone who is a fan of the 10-Year Old will have love at first taste. It reminded me of a subdued (and slightly more balanced) version of the Bowmore Tempest series.
Final note,... it’s a perfect whisky to fill a flask for a camping or hiking adventure.
Tasted May 17 2018.
87/100
Detailed Rating Information...
90+: Fantastic whisky; highly recommended.
My favourite whiskies – I might have more than one bottle if the price is right and the supply is limited! The higher values in this range will reflect a stronger balance and consistency between components.
85-89: Great whisky; recommended.
Whiskies that tick the flavour boxes and you'll likely hear about these from me. An easy decision to order at a bar/restaurant and one to consider buying a bottle of.
80-84: Very good whisky; recommended, but still consider trying before you buy.
Most of these whiskies I was really happy to have the opportunity to taste, but, apart from a dram here and there, I don’t think I would buy a bottle.
75-79: Good whisky; consider trying before you buy.
These are whiskies that I did enjoy drinking, but likely would reach for another bottle or select something different to order.
65-74: Average; consider trying before you buy, but not recommended.
There is nothing that stood out about this whisky and I might be inclined to mix it with soda or in a cocktail, instead of trying to enjoy its own flavours.
50-64: Bad; not recommended.
I didn’t like this and would sooner pass on another opportunity and order a beer instead than have it again… but never say never.
