Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 05:43 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.
Uncover distinctions between Lagavulin 12 and Laphroaig 10 in this comprehensive analysis, and determine which Single Malt suits your preference!
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.
Written by: J Highland
Lagavulin 12 vs Laphroaig 10: Comparison
Lagavulin 12: Smoky and fruity journey with bacon, lemon, and pineapple. Rich and complex, enhanced with water. Luxurious and bold.
Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength: Intensely smoky with caramel sweetness, and creamy texture. Bold flavors, great with water. Robust and deep.
Verdict: Lagavulin 12 excels in its unique blend of smoky and fruity notes, offering a sophisticated, complex experience ideal for connoisseurs seeking depth. Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength stands out for its robust smoke and sweet balance, appealing to those who favor intensity and richness.
Both whiskies are exquisite choices, each presenting distinct characteristics that cater to varied palates, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Islay Best Picks
Lagavulin 12: A Journey Through Smoke and Fruit
- Nose: Bacon, lemon, pineapple, alcohol
- Palate: Smoke, banana, pineapple, salami
- Finish: Smoke, lemon, leather
- Alcohol content: 114 proof (57% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Lagavulin 16
Aromas: This Islay single malt starts with a bold smoky aroma, reminiscent of smoked bacon. As it opens up, reveals refreshing notes of lemon and pineapple, balanced by a gentle alcohol scent that fades with time.
Palate: The Lagavulin 12 boasts a silky and oily mouthfeel, leaving a luxurious coat on the tongue. The first sip offers a warming experience, showcasing rich peat smoke followed by a savory salami-like character. This transitions smoothly into tropical fruit flavors with subtle hints of oak.
Finish: The Lagavulin 12 delivers a long and evolving finish. The initial smoke gradually fades into a blend of tangy lemon zest and aged leather, leaving a lingering warmth. To fully appreciate the whisky’s complexity, allowing it to breathe and adding a touch of water is recommended.
Overall: This whisky presents the classic Lagavulin character, with a drier, oilier profile and a higher alcohol content than some may prefer. However, it offers impressive depth and complexity, showcasing layers of flavors that create a satisfying journey from start to finish.
Price: While the Lagavulin 12 is a truly remarkable whisky, its price point might be a consideration for some.
Additional Information:
- Filtration: Unfiltered
- Bottling: Cask strength
- Maturation: New oak casks
- Producer: Lagavulin (owned by Diageo)
Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength: A Bold and Smoky Exploration
- 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
- Similar to: Ardbeg Uigeadail
Aromas: This Islay single malt opens with a smoky and earthy nose, carrying hints of leather and bacon. Subtle mineral notes add complexity.
Palate: The first sip surprises with a smooth and creamy texture, despite the high alcohol content. Bold smoky flavors dominate at first, giving way to sweet notes of caramel and honey. A rich, bacon-like character rounds out the taste profile.
Finish: The long finish lingers with hints of peat, vanilla, and honey. Adding a drop of water can enhance the sweetness and unfold further depth.
Enjoyment: While excellent neat, a touch of water can personalize the experience.
Comparison: This cask strength expression offers a similar experience to the popular Laphroaig 10, but with amplified flavors and a richer mouthfeel. The higher proof contributes to a creamier texture and more robust taste, while maintaining its signature smoothness.
Value: Considering its exceptional quality, the Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength offers an attractive addition to any whisky collection.
Additional Information:
- Filtration: Barrier-filtered
- Bottling: Cask strength
- Maturation: Bourbon barrels
- Producer: Laphroaig (owned by Beam Suntory)
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Lagavulin 12 | $150 |
| Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength | $100 |