Except for a Laphroaig 10 bottled in 1968 and a series of Cask Strength batches, I never came around to reviewing the Laphroaig 10 Year Old. So here goes, one of the classic Islay whiskies.
Laphroaig 10 yo (40%, OB +/- 2018)
Nose: I think Islay whisky deserves a higher strength but this is better than I remembered. Very medicinal, with antiseptics, iodine and bandages, then more towards tar and scorched earth. Bonfire. Smoked fish. Happy to say there’s also a nice juicy fruity note in the background (smoked peach?).
Mouth: peat smoke, salt, antiseptics again. Less impact and body now. Quite dry, with light herbal touches too, but there’s also a hint of sweet lemon juice. Wet rocks, sea spray.
Finish: not too long, with tarry notes and fading ashes.
Right, so the strength is letting us down here a little on the palate, but the Islay character we find in this Laphroaig 10 still makes it a benchmark whisky. Available from Master of Malt or TWE for instance.
Update: check my 2021 review of Laphroaig 10 Years.