Laphroaig 10 Year Old Cask Strength, a formidable expression from the famed Islay distillery, delivers an unadulterated encounter with the quintessential peat and maritime character of its origin. This comprehensive review delves into its robust flavour profile, revealing the intricate balance of smoky intensity and nuanced sweetness, honed over a decade in ex-bourbon barrels. Join us as we explore the sensory journey of this peaty powerhouse, from its deep golden appearance to its long, satisfying finish.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
The Basics Of Laphroaig 10 Year Old Cask Strength
- Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky
- Region: Islay
- ABV: 58.6%
- Age: 10 years
- Cask Type: Ex-bourbon barrels
Laphroaig ages this expression for 10 years exclusively in former bourbon casks before bottling it without chill filtration at cask strength. This allows the true distillery character to shine through while packing a flavorful punch.
Appearance
I poured a dram into a Glencairn whisky glass. It presented itself with a deep golden hue like an autumn sunrise. Swirling the glass brought up some slow, oily tears showing the whisky’s viscosity and lack of chill filtration. It coated the sides of the glass evenly.
Colour: 1.3 (Deep Gold)
Aroma
Bringing my nose close to the glass filled my olfactory senses with an intense smoky peat aroma. It was like sticking your head into a roaring campfire. Intertwined with the smoke were medicinal notes of iodine and TCP, conjuring images of a seaside hospital. Behind the smoke, sweeter scents emerged – honey, vanilla, and orchard fruits. A splash of water opened it up further, unleashing more citrus and maritime notes. For those curious about the nuances of Laphroaig’s aroma, understanding how to drink Laphroaig can enhance the tasting experience.
Nose: Smoky peat, iodine, TCP, honey, vanilla, orchard fruits, citrus, maritime
Flavour
Taking a small sip, I felt like I licked a smouldering log, in the best possible way. Peat smoke and ash overwhelmed the palate at first. Then a sweet honeyed quality came through, along with vanilla, apple, and lemon. Hints of brine and seaweed added complexity.
The mid-palate was full-bodied and mouthcoating. The peat took on a more medicinal tone, like an Islay hospital. Charred oak notes joined in, balanced by caramel and toffee. Fiery pepper spice built, leaving a tingling sensation on my tongue.
The finish was long and smoky, with a lingering briny and peppery kick. The peat stuck to my palate for several minutes after swallowing. A few drops of water opened it up with more fruitiness but maintained the intensity. Those interested in exploring further can learn about what to mix with Laphroaig to create different flavour profiles.
Palate: Peat smoke, ash, honey, vanilla, apple, lemon, brine, seaweed, charred oak, caramel, toffee, pepper spice
Finish: Long, smoky, briny, peppery
Scoring
I’m always a sucker for a bold, peaty Islay whisky, and this Laphroaig 10 Year Old Cask Strength is delivered in spades. The aromas and flavours were intense and complex, with signature Laphroaig maritime peat character. While bold and fiery, it maintained balance and integration throughout. The cask strength bottling provided a forceful yet rewarding drinking experience. For more on Laphroaig’s distinct flavours and how they compare, read about the 6 best whiskey for a Whiskey Sour in 2024.
- Appearance: 4/5
- Nose: 5/5
- Palate: 5/5
- Finish: 5/5
- Uniqueness: 5/5
Overall Score: 98/100
This was an outstanding young Islay whisky, bottled at full proof to highlight the distillery’s robust peat-forward house style. Laphroaig fans will be thrilled with
this amped-up cask strength expression. The 10-year age statement adds just enough maturity to smooth out the roughest edges.
I’d recommend this for Islay lovers looking for the pure, unfiltered, peaty experience. It packs quite a punch, so be prepared! Add a few drops of water to open it up if needed. Sip it neat beside a crackling fire for full effect. With its maritime medicinal peat and fiery finish, this whisky is an absolute stunner.
Food Pairing Suggestions
Laphroaig 10 Year Old Cask Strength calls for bold, flavorful dishes that can stand up to the intense peaty flavours. Here are some food pairing recommendations:
- Appetizer: Smoked salmon, oysters on the half shell, smoked mussels
- Entrees: Grilled steak, rack of lamb, venison, meat pie
- Sides: Twice-baked potato, roasted root vegetables
- Desserts: Chocolate cake, crème brûlée, bread pudding with caramel sauce
Cocktail Suggestions
While delicious neat or with a splash of water, here are some cocktails that complement the Laphroaig 10 Year Old Cask Strength:
- Penicillin – With ginger, honey, lemon, and Islay whisky, a smoky twist on the classic.
- Islay Old Fashioned – Swap out bourbon for Islay whisky for a peaty, boozy Old Fashioned.
- Islay Sour – Laphroaig’s smoke works well in a Whisky Sour format with lemon and honey.
- Hot Toddy – Warm up with peated whisky, hot water, honey and lemon. Perfect for cold nights.
Conclusion
Laphroaig 10 Year Old Cask Strength is an exceptional Islay single malt that delivers bold, peaty flavour at full proof. The whisky offers complexity along with intense smoke, perfect for die-hard Islay fans. Sipping this by the fire or pairing it with robust flavours provides an unmatched whisky experience. Laphroaig continues to demonstrate why it’s the quintessential Islay distillery. Their 10 Year Cask Strength is both a unique expression and a can’t-miss bottle for serious peat freaks. To ensure your bottle maintains its quality, learn about does Laphroaig go off and proper storage techniques. Sláinte!
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