Laphroaig 10 Years

Overview
Laphroaig 10 Year Old stands as the flagship single malt Scotch from Islay's storied distillery, delivering a bold, peat-driven profile that defines the region's medicinal smokiness. Established in 1815, it adheres to traditional methods using peat from local bogs, making it an ideal entry to Islay whiskies.

Specs at a glance

Good to know
Founded by brothers Donald and Alexander Johnston on Islay's south coast, the distillery draws its name from "broad hollow by the bay" and sources water from the Kilbride Stream. Barley is malted and dried over peat fires from the Glenmachrie bog, infused with heather, lichen, and moss for its signature iodine-like character. Laphroaig holds the unique Royal Warrant from The Prince of Wales and processes spirit in copper stills per its original recipe.

Tasting notes

• Nose: Pronounced peat smoke leads with iodine and medicinal notes, balanced by subtle vanilla and faint fruity undertones.
• Palate: Bold peat dominates alongside sweet caramel and orchard fruit, with maritime salt and a touch of oak spice emerging mid-palate. The medium body showcases exceptional balance in its complexity.
• Finish: Lingering smoke trails into ashy peat and gentle sweetness, with moderate length.

Notable details

• Production: Matured 10 years in oak casks, non-chill filtered; peat-dried barley from local Islay sources.
• Lineage: Distillery founded 1815; acquired by Beam Suntory in 2014 after prior ownership changes.
• Comparison: Serves as an accessible counterpart to less peaty options like Talisker 10 for Islay newcomers.
• Availability: Core range bottling, widely distributed.

"Laphroaig 10 is a complex, peat-dominated whisky that serves as an excellent first taste of Islay's distinctive flavors." – WhiskeyBon

Closing
A benchmark Islay single malt that rewards peat enthusiasts with authentic, layered smokiness.

Sources

[1] Whiskeybon – "Laphroaig 10 Year Old Review (Tasting Notes + Rating) - WhiskeyBon"

[2] Liquor – "Laphroaig 10-Year Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky Review"

[3] Whiskeyreviewer – "Laphroaig 10 Year Old Scotch Review – The Whiskey Reviewer"

[4] Thirtyonewhiskey – "Whiskey Review: Laphroaig 10 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky"

[5] Thewhiskeywash – "Laphroaig 10 Year Old Whisky Review: Iconic Islay Single Malt"

[6] Drinkhacker – "Review: Laphroaig 10 Years Old (2018)"