Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 05:59 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 the contrasts between Laphroaig 10 and Laphroaig Select and choose your ideal Single Malt whisky.
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
Laphroaig 10 vs Laphroaig Select: Comparison
Laphroaig 10: Intensely smoky with notes of caramel, charred oak, and iodine. Surprisingly sweet undercurrent. Best with water. 43% ABV. An acquired taste, rewarding for smoky whisky lovers.
Laphroaig Select: Milder, with light smoke, vanilla, and spice. Short finish, less intense. Best with water. 40% ABV. An approachable introduction to Laphroaig’s smoky profile.
Verdict: Laphroaig 10 offers a bold, classic Islay experience. Laphroaig Select is a gentler, more accessible variant. Both showcase Laphroaig’s mastery of smoke, appealing to different preferences, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Top Laphroaig Whiskies
Laphroaig 10: A Bold and Smoky Islay Experience
- Nose: Smoke, caramel, oak, coffee
- Palate: Charred oak, smoke, chocolate, honey, iodine
- Finish: Smoke, caramel
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Ardbeg 10
Laphroaig 10 is a single malt Scotch whisky renowned for its intense smoky character, which has earned it a loyal following and also divided opinions among whisky enthusiasts.
On the nose, Laphroaig 10 presents a distinct aroma of burnt rubber and seaweed, intertwined with notes of smoke, caramel, oak, and espresso coffee. The palate starts with a powerful punch of smoke and charred oak, followed by a surprising sweetness, featuring hints of vanilla, caramel, and chocolate. The finish is long and predominantly sweet, with a mineral essence and lingering hints of seaweed.
This robust and bold whisky may be daunting for newcomers to the world of whisky due to its intense smokiness. It can be an acquired taste that requires persistence to fully appreciate its unique flavor profile.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Bold and smoky: Offers a powerful and intense smoky experience, characteristic of Islay whiskies.
- Unique flavors: Beyond the smoke, it presents a surprising sweetness with hints of vanilla, caramel, and chocolate.
- Long finish: Leaves a lasting impression with a sweet and mineral character.
- May be challenging for beginners: The strong smokiness might be overwhelming for those new to whisky.
- Acquired taste: Requires some getting used to, but can be incredibly rewarding for those who appreciate its complexity.
Laphroaig 10 facts:
- Aged for 10 years in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks.
- Awarded a Gold Medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
- Named “Best Single Malt Scotch 10 Years & Under” in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2019.
Overall, Laphroaig 10 is a bold and distinctive single malt Scotch whisky that caters to adventurous palates seeking a smoky and complex experience. While it may not be for everyone, it’s undoubtedly a noteworthy expression that has earned its place among the best 10-year-old Scotch whiskies available.
Laphroaig Select: A Milder Introduction 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
- Similar to: Ardbeg An Oa
Laphroaig Select offers an introduction to the iconic smoky Laphroaig style with a milder and more approachable profile.
The aroma presents initial notes of smoke, followed by a distinct medicinal character alongside hints of citrus and minerals. The palate is on the lighter side, offering a slightly smoky taste with hints of ginger, vanilla, apple, and nutmeg. The finish is short and spicy, leaving a trace of the medicinal note.
While Laphroaig Select provides a smoother entry point for those curious about Laphroaig’s signature smokiness, it may not fully satisfy experienced whisky enthusiasts due to:
- Lighter body: The whisky can feel thin and watered-down compared to other Laphroaig expressions.
- Subdued smoke: The smoke character, while present, is less intense compared to other Laphroaig whiskies.
- Short finish: The finish may feel unremarkable and fleeting to some.
Here’s a summary:
- Milder introduction to Laphroaig’s smoky style – ideal for those new to Islay whiskies.
- Smooth and easy to drink – lacks the strong smokiness that can be off-putting to some.
- May lack depth and complexity compared to other Laphroaig expressions.
- Lighter body and shorter finish might not appeal to experienced whisky drinkers.
Laphroaig Select facts:
- No age statement.
- Matured in a combination of ex-sherry casks, American oak casks, and first-fill bourbon casks.
- Established in 1815 by the Johnston brothers on Islay.
- Currently owned by Beam Suntory.
Ultimately, Laphroaig Select offers a gateway into the world of Laphroaig, but for a more complete and profound Laphroaig experience, exploring their other expressions might be recommended.
How do Laphroaig 10 and Laphroaig Select differ?
Contrasting Laphroaig 10 and Select reveals that the latter is bottled at a lower proof and lacks an age statement.
It offers gentle smoky undertones, presenting a milder variation of the highly acclaimed 10-year-old expression.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whiskey | Price |
| Laphroaig 10 | $47 |
| Laphroaig Select | $40 |