Last Updated on: 26th April 2024, 09:43 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Explore all the details of the Laphroaig Lore in this comprehensive review that thoroughly addresses all your inquiries!
Written by: J Highland
Laphroaig Lore: A Smoky Masterpiece for Peat Lovers (without Age Statement)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Laphroaig Lore is a top contender for fans of smoky and intensely flavored whiskies. This Laphroaig expression holds a special place in the hearts of many peat enthusiasts, myself included.
Beyond Words: A Symphony of Smoke and Sweetness
Describing Lore as simply “good” wouldn’t do it justice. It’s a complex and well-balanced dram offering a delightful interplay of sweetness, smoothness, and robust smoke. Every sip takes you on a journey, from the initial aroma to the lingering finish.
Price Meets Quality (Despite No Age Statement)
The lack of an age statement might lead some to question the price. However, any hesitation fades away after experiencing the whisky’s depth of flavor. Laphroaig Lore delivers exceptional value for money, making it a worthwhile investment for serious whisky connoisseurs.
Stylish Presentation
While the sleek black bottle doesn’t affect the taste, it undeniably adds a touch of sophistication to your collection.
A Must-Try for Peat Enthusiasts
Laphroaig Lore stands out as a top-shelf expression from Laphroaig. Its smoky complexity and exceptional balance make it a must-try for peat lovers and serious whisky collectors, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
- Related: Discover the Best Laphroaig Scotch
- Learn more: Laphroaig Lore Website
What’s unique about it?
- NAS (no age statement) whisky blend
- Created from a mix of varied-age whiskies, including vintages from 1993
- Maturation in diverse casks: first-fill sherry, first-fill bourbon, refill bourbon, and European ex-sherry hogshead
- Unfiltered whisky
- Awarded best NAS whisky in 2019 Whisky Bible
How does it taste?
- Nose: Smoke, mineral, vanilla
- Palate: Smoke, ash, brine, chocolate, coffee, vanilla
- Finish: Dried fruit, charred oak, brine
- Alcohol content: 96 proof (48% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Lagavulin 16
The aroma evokes a sense reminiscent of the Talisker 10, characterized by traces of smoke, vanilla, and a pronounced brine essence.
When it comes to tasting, Laphroaig Lore impresses with a substantial mouthfeel, exuding a full-bodied presence.
The flavor journey initiates with a robust surge of smoke and cigar ash, which gradually transitions to a blend of chocolate and coffee notes, harmonized with bourbon-like vanilla sweetness in the background.
The finish extends, leaving behind a lingering combination of dried fruit, brine, charred oak, and a gratifying warmth as it gracefully descends.
Is it smoky?
On a scale of 1 to 5, where 5 indicates the highest level, Laphroaig Lore achieves a rating of FOUR, signifying a notable smokiness that remains within manageable bounds.
Alternatives
If you’re not keen on spending a premium amount for a No Age Statement (NAS) whisky, I recommend turning your attention towards the Lagavulin 16.
Not only does it stand as a quality option, but it also ranks among the finest, potentially even the foremost, Scotches available for under $100.
It delivers a robust impact of smokiness, which subsequently gives way to a multifaceted and pleasantly sweet flavor profile, culminating in an exceptional experience that extends from the initial scent to the enduring finish.
When delving into the range of Laphroaig whiskies, I suggest directing your focus toward the Quarter Cask expression.
The Quarter Cask possesses a vibrant and youthful character, thanks to its maturation within smaller casks designed to accelerate its aging process.
Upon the first sip, it unveils a smooth and sweet texture, akin to velvet.
However, this smoothness is quickly followed by a powerful surge of intense peatiness, a quality not meant for those with faint hearts.
How did I review Laphroaig 18?
I run a pub and a liquor store, granting me extensive access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller.
My evaluations include my insights and feedback from customers and patrons and whiskey expert opinions from Neil Coleman who has been for decades in the liquor business.
I also corroborate my views with online research to ensure accuracy.
Our ratings are determined primarily by four key factors: aroma, taste, finish, and value for money. While we do consider packaging, it is of lesser importance to us, as we prioritize the quality of the liquid inside over the aesthetics of the bottle.
⭐ – Poor, ⭐⭐ – Average, ⭐⭐⭐ – Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Very Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent.
Laphroaig Lore FAQ
Here is a quick FAQ to address your inquiries:
Price
- United States: $135
- Canada: $200
- Britain: £68
- Australia: $200
How to drink it?
- Add water: While it’s enjoyable neat, a dash of water can release a touch of caramel sweetness, especially if you find it overly peaty.
Alcohol content
- Bottled at 96 proof (48% ABV).
Aging
- Non-age statement (NAS): Aged in a combination of first-fill sherry, first-fill bourbon, refill bourbon, and European ex-sherry hogshead casks.
How is it made?
- Laphroaig Lore is crafted from barley malted and peated using heather, mosses, and lichens from Islay.
- After malting and peating, the barley is fermented and double-distilled in unique flat-surfaced copper-pot stills, intensifying its character.
About Laphroaig Distillery
- It was established in 1815 by Donald and Alexander Johnston, Clan Donald members.
- Ownership transitioned from family-run to manager Bessie Williamson after Ian Hunter’s passing in 1954.
- Presently owned by Beam Suntory, which also holds brands like Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark.
Does it expire?
- Alcohol doesn’t expire.
- Store it in a cool place, away from sunlight, and finish it once the content reaches 25% to avoid flavor changes.
How to store it?
- Store upright in a cool place, shielded from sunlight, and ensure the bottle doesn’t contact the stopper.
Laphroaig Lore: Specs
| Type of Whisky | Single Malt |
| Age statement | NAS |
| Proof | 96 |
| ABV | 48% |
| Is it good? | Yes |
| Is it top-shelf? | Yes |
| Does it expire? | No |
| Sweet? | Moderately |
| Warm? | No |
| Peaty? | Yes |
| Good for beginners? | No |
| Good for cocktails? | No |
| Good with Coke? | No |
| Calories per shot | 108 |
| Gluten-free | Yes |
| Keto-friendly | Yes |
| Kosher | No |