Best Laphroaig

Last Updated on: 24th April 2024, 07:33 pm

With the assistance of whisky expert Neil Coleman and valuable customer feedback, I have reviewed and ranked every Laphroaig release and determined which is the best.

Written by: J Highland

Choosing the Best Laphroaig

For the Adventurous Newcomer to Smoky Scotch:

• Laphroaig 10: This is the classic Laphroaig experience with bold smoke, caramel, oak, and a hint of medicinal notes. It’s challenging but rewarding for those who enjoy a strong peaty flavor.

For Those Who Want a Tamer Laphroaig with More Sherry Influence:

• Laphroaig 10 Sherry Oak: This expression refines the smoky profile with a delightful sweetness from sherry cask aging. The smoke is still present but more approachable.

For Peat Lovers Who Crave Uncut Intensity:

• Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength: This is Laphroaig 10 turned up to 11! It’s smoky, intense, and packs a punch, but surprisingly smooth for its high proof.

For An Unexpected Fruity Twist on Laphroaig’s Smoke:

• Laphroaig PX: This unique Laphroaig uses American oak, small casks, and sherry casks to create a smoky dram with a surprising balance of ripe fruit and gentle smoke.

For the Truly Adventurous Palate Up for a Challenge:

• Laphroaig Triple Wood: This complex and challenging Laphroaig offers a journey through smoke, iodine, medicinal notes, and eventually reveals apple, caramel, and oak.

For Peat Freaks Who Want Supercharged Smoke:

• Laphroaig Quarter Cask: This expression uses smaller casks for more intense wood contact, resulting in a whisky with the most smoke among Laphroaig’s core offerings.

For Beginners Who Want a Gentler Introduction to Laphroaig’s Smoke:

• Laphroaig Select: This NAS Laphroaig uses various casks to create a milder expression with subdued smoke, ginger, vanilla, and a touch of fruit.

For Experienced Laphroaig Drinkers Who Want to Explore the Distillery’s Secrets:

• Laphroaig Lore: This NAS Laphroaig blend offers a rich and complex exploration of the distillery’s character with smoke, ash, brine, chocolate, and hints of dried fruit.

For Those Who Want Laphroaig with More Balance and Less Smoke:

• Laphroaig 15: This expression breaks the mold with a focus on tropical fruit notes, vanilla, chocolate, and caramel alongside a more approachable peaty smoke.

For Laphroaig Fans Who Enjoy a More Refined Smoky Experience:

• Laphroaig 16: Aged for 16 years, this Laphroaig offers a softer, more nuanced smokiness with notes of peat, vanilla, clove, and seaweed.

For Those Who Want a Sweeter and More Approachable Laphroaig:

• Laphroaig 18: This expression features a delightful balance of Laphroaig’s signature smokiness with sherry and bourbon cask influences, resulting in a fruitier and sweeter profile.

For Special Occasions and Laphroaig Devotees:

• Laphroaig 25: This marriage of bourbon and sherry casks offers a complex and distinguished dram with rich peat smoke balanced by vanilla, charred oak, chocolate, and a hint of orange.

Additional Tips:

• Laphroaig is known for its strong peaty flavor. If you’re new to peaty scotch, start with a milder expression like Laphroaig Select or Laphroaig 10 Sherry Oak.
• Consider adding a splash of water to your Laphroaig. This can help open up the flavors and make the smoke a bit more approachable.

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Laphroaig 10: Islay Smoke for the Adventurous

• Nose: Smoke, caramel, oak, coffee
• Palate: Charred oak, smoke, chocolate, honey, iodine
• Finish: Smoke, caramel
• Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
• How to drink: Cocktails

Laphroaig 10 is a bold statement in smoky Scotch. Don’t be surprised by the aroma of burnt rubber and seaweed alongside smoke, caramel, oak, and espresso. The taste is a journey – intense smoke and oak give way to sweet vanilla, caramel, and chocolate. The finish lingers with smoke, sweetness, and a touch of the sea.

This is an intense experience, challenging for beginners but rewarding for those who love the unique Islay character, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Best-Rated 10 Year Old Single Malts

Laphroaig 10 Sherry Oak: Islay Smoke Gets Sweet

• Nose: Smoke, sherry, orange, malt
• Palate: Smokem sherry, baking spice
• Finish: Long, smoke, dried fruit, mineral
• Alcohol content: 96 proof (48% ABV)
• How to drink: Cocktails

Laphroaig 10 Sherry Oak refines the classic Laphroaig experience. Aged an extra 18 months in sherry casks, it tames the famous peat smoke with a delightful sweetness. Despite its higher proof, it’s surprisingly smooth.

The nose prioritizes sherry notes over the familiar Laphroaig rubber and seaweed. The taste is a rich blend of velvety sweetness, peat smoke, delicate spices, and a touch of iodine. The finish lingers with smoke and dried fruit, offering a more approachable and complex experience compared to the standard Laphroaig 10.

Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength: Islay Smoke Turned Up to 11

• Nose: Smoke, leather, bacon, mineral
• Palate: Smoke, caramel, honey, ash, bacon
• Finish: Smoke, caramel
• Alcohol content: 116 proof (58% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water

For peatheads only! Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength dials up the classic Laphroaig. This un-diluted version boasts a richer, bolder experience.

Smoke and ash dominate the aroma with hints of leather, bacon, and minerals. Incredibly, the palate is smooth despite the high alcohol, offering intense smoke, caramel, honey, and a savory bacon note. The long finish lingers with peat, vanilla, and honey.

This barrier-filtered expression is surprisingly smooth for its strength and can be tamed with a touch of water, but true fans will appreciate it neat.

Laphroaig PX: Fruity Twist on Classic Smoke

• Nose: Smoke, ripe fruit, oak
• Palate: Smoke, ripe fruit, mineral
• Finish: Long, cherries, orange, brine
• Alcohol content: 96 proof (48% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water

Laphroaig PX throws a curveball. This unique expression uses American oak, small Quarter Casks, and Pedro Ximenez sherry casks to create a smoky dram with a fruity twist.

The nose is a captivating mix of smoke, ripe fruit, and oak. The taste is a surprising balance – gentle smoke mingles with ripe fruit and baking spice. The finish delivers a delightful surprise – cherries, orange, and a touch of brine.

Overall, the PX offers a unique balance of sweetness, minerality, and restrained smoke, allowing the fruity notes to shine. It’s a delicious twist on the classic Laphroaig experience.

Laphroaig Triple Wood: Smoky Enigma for Adventurous Palates

• Nose: Smoke, iodine, medicinal
• Palate: Smoke, iodine, apple, caramel, vanilla, oak
• Finish: Long, caramel, honey, pipe smoke
• Alcohol content: 96 proof (48% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water

Laphroaig Triple Wood isn’t for the faint of heart. This NAS, unfiltered whisky takes you on a journey. The aroma challenges with smoke, iodine, and a medicinal note. The taste is equally bold – smoke, iodine, and brine slowly give way to apple, caramel, vanilla, and oak. The finish rewards perseverance with lingering sweetness of caramel, honey, and pipe smoke.

This complex Laphroaig is not for everyone, but those who appreciate a challenge will be rewarded with a unique and evolving smoky experience.

Laphroaig Quarter Cask: Supercharged Islay Smoke

• Nose: Smoke, ash, malt
• Palate: Smoke, oak, coal, bacon, chocolate
• Finish: Long, caramel, smoke
• Alcohol content: 96 proof (48% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water

Laphroaig Quarter Cask dials up the smoke! Aged in bourbon barrels then smaller “quarter casks,” it has intense contact with wood for bolder flavors.

The nose is a blast of smoke and ash with a malty undertone. Its higher proof packs a punch, but the taste is surprisingly smooth. Intense smoke takes center stage, supported by oak, vanilla, and chocolate, creating a delightful balance of sweet and smoky. The finish is long and warming, with water revealing more sweetness and taming the smoke.

This is Laphroaig’s smokiest expression, a true treat for peat lovers.

Laphroaig Select: Gateway to Islay Smoke

• Nose: Smoke, medicinal, citrus, mineral
• Palate: Smoke, ginger, vanilla, apple, nutmeg
• Finish: Short, oak spice, mouthwash
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water

Laphroaig Select offers a gentle introduction to the Laphroaig range of whiskies. This NAS whisky uses various casks, creating a milder expression compared to their classics.

The aroma is smoky with hints of medicinal notes, citrus, and minerals. The taste is light-bodied with subdued smoke, featuring ginger, vanilla, apple, and nutmeg. The finish is short and spicy.

If you’re new to Laphroaig’s signature smokiness, this is a great starting point before diving into their more intense expressions.

Laphroaig Lore: Revealing Laphroaig’s Hidden Depths

• 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

Laphroaig Lore unlocks the distillery’s secrets. This NAS bottling blends whiskies aged since 1993, matured in an array of casks.

The smoky nose is softened by vanilla and brine. The creamy palate offers a unique combination of smoke, cigar ash, chocolate, coffee, and bourbon-like sweetness. The finish lingers with dried fruit, brine, and charred oak.

This is Laphroaig’s richest expression, a blend of sweetness and smoke in a beautiful black labeled bottle.

Laphroaig 15: Beyond the Smoke

• Nose: Peach, baking spice, seaweed, peat, iodine
• Palate: Peat, vanilla, chocolate, caramel, almond
• Finish: Smoke, vanilla, mineral
• Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water

Laphroaig 15 breaks the mold. Forget the intense smoke!

This expression offers a captivating aroma of ripe peaches, baking spices, seaweed, and a touch of peat and iodine. The taste is equally surprising – smoky peat mingles with vanilla, chocolate, caramel, and almond. The finish is pleasant, lingering with smoke, vanilla, and minerals.

This Laphroaig is all about balance. It steps away from the brand’s usual boldness, showcasing tropical fruit notes and a more approachable style. Despite its lower alcohol content, it remains rich and complex, making it a smooth and sophisticated dram.

Related: Best 15 Year Old Single Malts

Laphroaig 16: Aged Smoke Gets Smooth

• Nose: Iodine, smoke, vanilla, oak
• Palate: Peat, vanilla, clove, seaweed
• Finish: Ash, seaweed, caramel
• Alcohol content: 96 proof (48% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water

Time tames the smoke in Laphroaig 16. Compared to the 10-year-old, this whisky boasts a softer, more nuanced smokiness.

The nose is an enticing mix of iodine, smoke, vanilla, and oak. The taste is luxurious – oily and thick, it blends peat with caramel, vanilla, clove, and seaweed for a perfectly balanced flavor. The finish goes on for a long time, smooth and warm with notes of smoke, caramel, ash, and seaweed.

Originally released for Laphroaig’s 200th anniversary, this 16-year-old is now a beloved staple, offering a refined smoky experience for whisky aficionados.

Laphroaig 18: A Refined Smoky Experience

• Nose: Mineral, oak, vanilla, stone fruit
• Palate: Iodine, peat, vanilla, caramel, sherry
• Finish: Caramel, vanilla, ash, rubber
• Alcohol content: 96 proof (48% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water

The nose is a surprising yet delightful mix of salty crackers, oak, vanilla, and stone fruit. The taste is approachable and balanced, offering classic Laphroaig notes of iodine, peat, and sherry, alongside smooth caramel and vanilla.

This expression is fruitier and sweeter than the 16-year-old, thanks to aging in sherry and bourbon casks, adding layers of complexity. The finish is long and warming, a truly gratifying experience. Laphroaig 18 stands out for its balanced, sweet, and intricately flavored profile.

Related: Top 18 Year Old Single Malts

Laphroaig 25: A Marriage of Sherry & Smoke

• Nose: Oak, smoke
• Palate: Chocolate, charred oak, smoke, vanilla
• Finish: Chocolate, vanilla, orange, smoke
• Alcohol content: 104 proof (52% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water

Laphroaig 25 celebrates the perfect union of two cask types. Aged for 25 years, bourbon and sherry casks mature separately before a cask-strength marriage. This creates a whisky rich with peat smoke, balanced by vanilla and charred oak from bourbon. The second-fill oloroso sherry casks lend a touch of sweetness, culminating in a semi-sweet chocolate finish.

Perfect for special occasions, Laphroaig 25 is a distinguished dram for those who appreciate its depth.

Learn more: Laphroaig Website

Buying Guide

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whisky	Price	Rating
Laphroaig 10	$47	79
Sherry Oak	$82	81
10-Year Cask Strength	$90	83
PX Cask	$80	81
Triple Wood	$78	79
Quarter Cask	$59	80
Select	$49	71
Lore	$135	90
Laphroaig 15	$81	85
Laphroaig 16	$130	87
Laphroaig 18	$130	89
Laphroaig 25	$600	93

Frequently Asked Questions: Exploring Laphroaig Whisky

How was the Top Bottle Determined?

• Taste Profiling: Careful tasting of each Laphroaig variant, focusing on peaty and maritime characteristics.
• Expert Opinions: Insights from seasoned whisky specialists and industry professionals.
• Consumer Feedback: Evaluating reviews and feedback from Laphroaig aficionados.
• Awards & Recognitions: Acknowledging accolades and awards earned by Laphroaig expressions.

Laphroaig Whisky: A Unique Flavor Profile

• Taste: Known for its strong peaty flavor, complemented by distinct mineral and medicinal notes.
• Polarizing Effect: Laphroaig’s unique profile often divides opinions, attracting a dedicated fan base.

About Laphroaig Distillery

• Foundation: Laphroaig originated in 1815, established by the Johnston brothers.
• Evolution: Began as part of a cattle and barley farm before transitioning entirely to whisky production.
• Legacy: Laphroaig has since become an iconic name in the whisky industry, particularly on Islay.
• Competitors: Rivals other famous Islay whiskies such as Ardbeg and Lagavulin.
• Diverse Range: Offers various expressions, each with differing levels of peat intensity.

Laphroaig’s Unique Appeal

• Devoted Following: Loyal enthusiasts are drawn to the addictive nature of Laphroaig’s peat.
• Islay Distinction: Embodying the essence of Islay with its robust flavors and smoky profile.
• Historical Roots: Reflects a deep-rooted history in its production and flavor composition.