Laphroaig 10 Year Cask Strength (Batch 1)

I absolutely adored the 10 year bottling. I was quite apprehensive about trying this so-called 'palate killer.' After tasting it shortly after, I realized my strong preference for peated whiskey. One whiff of this brings back that realization. Nose: Wow, compared to most other whiskies I've sampled recently, it has that deep, dark, raisiny/rubbery/meaty aroma that I love. Nothing quite like peated whiskey provides this level of excitement for a sip... but let's focus on the nose a bit longer. It starts with a blend of dark dried fruits like raisins and prunes, along with smoked meats seasoned with something sweet, perhaps teriyaki. Quick sniffs reveal crisp, zesty citrus notes in the middle. Towards the end, you detect that distinct rubber band-aid medicinal scent and a touch of mustiness. It makes me thirsty! Palate: On the first sip, you'll immediately notice the smoky, medicinal, antiseptic, rubbery taste. Occasionally, I detect a hint of tobacco smoke. The Oak is definitely present in the middle notes. It possesses a more pronounced bite and kick than the standard 10. There's considerable bitterness/pepper. The sweet vanilla finish found in the regular bottling is less apparent. This one has a distinct dark chocolate finish with spice. The brine and salt emerge after the liquid has passed and settled in your stomach. My mouth feels dry, as if I've eaten overly salted popcorn after a while. Some people appreciate whiskey for its taste. I enjoy that too. But I find more enjoyment in the process of exploration and challenge. This offering definitely falls into the latter category. If I wanted to sip something that didn't require much thought, suitable for casual conversation, I'd opt for a classic Irish whiskey or a bourbon cocktail. However, if you're seeking a novel experience and a bit of excitement, something remarkable to share. This is it.

Batch 011 - March 2019 58.6% abv; 117.2 proof Opened 4 months Nose - Rich, smoked pork and beef, hickory-fueled campfire smoke, meaty peat, salted cured meats, tobacco leaf, citrus cleaner, toasted bread, menthol, and moderate ethanol. Palate - Viscous, meaty peat smoke, abundant sea salt and brine, buttered toast, caramel, sweet malted grains, apple pie, and surprisingly low ethanol perception. The finish is long, with the most prominent notes of ethanol and peat experienced so far: campfire ashes, burnt toast, toasted malt, vanilla, and honey. Living in NC presents a mixed blessing as our ABC stores discontinued Laphroaig 10Y Cask Strength. However, this occurred before significant price hikes on many Scotches due to tariffs, including other Laphroaig expressions. Consequently, this bottle remained on shelves at its original price of $74.95. As bourbon and rye are highly sought after, some of these bottles linger on shelves over a year after discontinuation. I'm fortunate to have secured one before they vanish (also obtained batch 012). These are truly exceptional Islay whiskies and undoubtedly the best value peated malts under $100, alongside Ardbeg's cask strengths. While I have a less favorable view of the standard 10Y compared to most reviewers, these cask strength versions more than compensate. For only $8 more than the 86 proof 10Y, it's an easy decision.

Wow, a real blast of campfire smoke. As a massive fan of Islay malts, it’s still impressive how intensely the smoke hits you, especially with Laphroaig. With batch #10 and 56.8% ABV, it’s definitely not for the timid, but thankfully most of us aren't timid and love whiskey straight from the barrel. On the nose: You get the expected seaside campfire aroma from any Laphroaig, but add a tiny bit of water, and the character totally transforms. Now there’s a sweet, candy-like scent with notes of orange peel and a hint of pear. On the palate: Happy to report I can still see! Surprisingly, with such a high ABV, there’s almost no burn you’d expect from a 10-year-old malt. The campfire smoke is as strong as ever, but the finish is exceptionally long, revealing lots of sea spray and a light sweetness that emerges after you swallow. Not much fruit on the palate, but it definitely benefits from a drop of water. The aftertaste is long with that persistent iodine note that I can’t get enough of, reminiscent of Lagavulin. Must be a Port Ellen characteristic. What a fantastic malt, and I’m so glad I found a bottle.

I sampled this at a whisky picnic. It was from the most recent batch, number 12. It pleasantly surprised me. I had tried about 3 or 4 different Laphroaigs before this, and this one is my favorite so far. This is likely due to it being cask strength. The color was such a deep umber red that I suspect it's colored. I'll disregard that aspect. However, the nose, palate, and finish were truly impressive. It begins unexpectedly smooth and sweet on the nose, with the characteristic Islay peat present but at a level that doesn't overwhelm with chemical or plastic notes. It's noticeable but allows pleasant caramel, vanilla, and fruity aspects to take center stage. My memory isn't perfect, but it reminded me of a more intense, sweeter, and red berry-forward Laphroaig Brodir. It simply has more depth. After the initial sips, the nose transforms dramatically, revealing other delightful flavors, some iodine, and a sensation of sea salt. Adding water slightly mellows it and releases more of the cask's wood influence. A very fine whisky.

Tasting notes are for batch 011. Nose: smoke, peat, seaweed/brine, vanilla, and a hint of underlying sweetness. There are also slight medicinal notes. Nothing offensive. The first time I smelled this whiskey, I detected notes of tropical fruit, possibly pineapple, but I haven't experienced that since. Palate: oily, viscous, and feels great in the mouth. Smoke and ash are prominent here. If you enjoy peat, this is your whiskey! With some patience, the sweetness and vanilla hinted at in the nose begin to emerge. They are still quite subtle but noticeable. Finish: a loooong finish with some spice and plenty of smoke. It reminds me of eating peppery brisket that has been smoked all day. I also paired this at one point with some medium blue cheese. Quite a combination! I recommend it, as it brought out the non-peated elements of this whiskey, such as the sweetness, fruit, floral notes, and vanilla, much more prominently. I own a bottle of this and would happily purchase it again.

Ive had 4 other Lap variants and loved them all as I have a preference for peated scotch. This stuff is potent, Ive got the 2020 version at 120.2 proof and its Lap 10 on steroids. Powerhouse flavor delivery which does benefit from a couple or few drops. The menthol, peat, iodine and seaweed are all there in spades throughout. It doesn't carry the same level of sweetness as quarter cask but adds ground cigars and burnt resins galore. The Lap olive notes I love are there too alongside charred driftwood and ash. This is dirty filthy good. Epic Islay finish and strong deep flavors its a winner no doubt. You can water this down to 10yr levels if you choose but why not enjoy the intensity. If you're not a smoke lover stay away this will crush you......93/100........buy a bottle and become a circus fire eater.... Bad note is price has climbed to $85 in my area but its worth it. I would still go Oogie or Corry over this as I lean towards Ardbeg but Lap devotees will be in heaven