Last Updated on: 12th April 2024, 01:36 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.
Discover the differences between Laphroaig 10 vs Port Charlotte 10 in this head-to-head comparison and decide Single Malt is better for You!
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 vs Port Charlotte 10: Which to Choose?
Laphroaig 10: A smoky journey with caramel and chocolate, balanced by a touch of seaweed. Ideal for those who appreciate a bold, complex dram.
Port Charlotte 10: Intense peat smoke with honey and vanilla smoothness. Perfect for peat lovers seeking depth and a creamy texture.
Verdict: Laphroaig 10 and Port Charlotte 10 each offer a distinct take on smoky whisky. Laphroaig tempts with its unique combination of smoke and maritime notes, while Port Charlotte impresses with its rich peat and balanced sweetness. Both provide a memorable and engaging experience for aficionados of smoky whiskies, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Smoky Scotch Best Choices
Laphroaig 10: A Smoky Adventure for Bold Palates
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Laphroaig Quarter Cask
Aromatics: Laphroaig 10 presents a bold and unique nose, featuring initial notes of burnt rubber and seaweed, layered with hints of smoke, caramel, oak, and even espresso coffee.
Taste: The palate encounters a burst of smoke and oak char upfront, which surprisingly transitions into a remarkable sweetness. Flavors of vanilla, caramel, and chocolate come to the forefront.
Finish: The long finish lingers with smoke and sweetness, complemented by a rich mineral undertone and a touch of seaweed.
Verdict: This single malt delivers an intense and flavorful experience, defined by its signature smokiness and unique tasting notes. While it might be overwhelming for newcomers to peated whiskies, Laphroaig 10 rewards persistent palates with its complex and captivating character. Once you develop an appreciation for its bold personality, this exceptional dram might become a long-lasting favorite.
Laphroaig 10 Facts:
- Aged for 10 years in ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks, contributing to its depth of flavor.
- Awarded a Gold Medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
- Recognized as “Best Single Malt Scotch 10 Years & Under” in Jim Murray’s Whisky Bible 2019.
- Produced by Laphroaig Distillery, founded in 1815 on the Isle of Islay, Scotland.
Port Charlotte 10: A Smoky Punch for Peat Lovers
- Alcohol content: 100 proof (50% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Lagavulin 16
Aroma: Port Charlotte 10 opens with a captivating blend of smoke, fruity notes, and hints of brine, caramel, and vanilla.
Taste: Dense peaty smoke fills the palate, gradually revealing layers of sweetness, apple, and vanilla. The surprising 50% ABV integrates seamlessly, delivering a remarkably smooth and balanced experience.
Finish: The smoke lingers pleasantly, accompanied by a touch of spice and sweetness.
Verdict: Port Charlotte 10 shines as a champion for peat enthusiasts. Despite its bold smokiness, it boasts impressive smoothness and richness, complemented by a touch of creaminess. Adding a splash of water unveils fruitier and sweeter notes, offering further nuance. For a truly epic experience, try pairing this dram with a robust Cuban cigar.
Port Charlotte 10 Facts:
- Uniquely aged in a blend of ex-bourbon and French wine casks, creating its complex flavor profile.
- Uncolored and unfiltered, preserving its natural character.
- Awarded “Whisky of the Year 2021” by WhiskyExchange.com.
- Crafted at the Bruichladdich Distillery on the Isle of Islay, Scotland.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Laphroaig 10 | $47 |
| Port Charlotte 10 | $72 |