Laphroaig 10 Review

The aroma of Laphroaig 10 year old is heavily influenced by the use of peat-smoked malt in the distillation process. The peat smoke is immediately apparent on the nose, along with a strong seaweed and iodine note. There are also hints of sweetness from the oak barrels, such as vanilla and caramel, and a subtle fruitiness.

Quick Notes

Taste: It has a strong peat smoke flavour with notes of seaweed, salt, and iodine. It has a sharp, medicinal taste with a slightly sweet finish.

Nose: The aroma of Laphroaig 10 is distinct, with a strong smell of peat smoke and seaweed, which is characteristic of Islay whiskies. There are also hints of lemon and vanilla.

Detailed Laphroaig 10 Year Review

In the biting cold of January a dram of Laphroaig 10 seems to fit perfectly with the season, with the smoky and peaty notes connecting the senses to sitting next to a warm fire. Indeed, Laphroaig is is often considered a winter whisky – so the timing couldn’t have been better for a taste review in early January 2023, during a cold snap that saw weather stay below zero for nearly two weeks for most of the UK.

Sourcing is very easy within the UK, as the Laphroaig 10 is widely available within supermarket chains. I picked up my bottle from Sainsbury’s for a cost of £30 (as part of a post-Christmas sale).

In appearance, the 10 year old Laphroaig whisky has a deep golden colour and is presented in a traditional green bottle, with a cork that features the iconic Laphroaig distillery logo. It comes encased in a circular cardboard box with a distinctive design that reflects the brand’s heritage and identity. The box typically has a flip-top lid that opens to reveal the bottle inside.

The whisky has a medium-to-full body, and the legs of the whisky are medium-to-long, indicating a good quality spirit. It is an age statement whisky, with ABV of 40%.

On the nose, the first thing you’ll notice is the distinct smoky peat aroma. This aroma is combined with hints of seaweed and salt, which are characteristic of whiskies from the Islay region. There is also a subtle sweetness, which balances the peaty and salty notes. The aroma is strong and complex, and is sure to leave a lasting impression on your senses.

The peat and smoke are prominent on the palate, and are accompanied by a sweetness that balances the whisky’s flavour profile. There are also hints of medicinal notes, which add to the whisky’s complexity. The mouthfeel is smooth, with a salty finish that lingers for a while.

Conclusion

The Laphroaig 10 Year Old is a classic Islay whisky that is renowned for its strong peaty character. Its aroma, taste, and appearance are all well-balanced, with the peat and smoke being prominent on the palate, while the sweetness and medicinal notes add depth to the whisky’s flavour profile. Experiencing the Laphroaig 10 Year Old is a must for any whisky enthusiasts journey, even more so if you are yet to experience a peated whisky.

Whether you’re a fan of peated whiskies or just looking for something new to try, Laphroaig 10 Year Old is definitely worth a taste.

Final Score: 88/100

Breakdown

• Experience: 23/25
• Nose: 20/25
• Taste: 20/25
• Value & Availability: 25/25

Author: Matthew @ Monthly Whisky Club