Laphroaig Select

Laphroaig Select, NAS, 40 %

So here it is then, the new entry level whisky from Laphroaig. The Laphroaig Select is a No Age Statement (NAS) whisky, bottled at 40 ABV. It has been matured in a number of different types of casks, to create what Laphroaig is hoping will be a good introduction to their whiskies for new fans. The casks types include Oloroso Sherry butts, new white American oak, Pedro Ximenez sherry hogsheads, quarter casks and 1st fill bourbon casks.

Laphroaig Select is available to buy online at GBP 35. It is not yet available in Norway and Sweden.

Nose (21/25): Wood smoke with some sweet notes. White pepper, vanilla, mild spices, milk chocolate and sea salt. There is something fresh here also. Citrus maybe? The nose is richer than expected, but it does lack some of that lovely creaminess that I usually find in Laphroaig.

Taste (20/25): Surprisingly peaty on the first sip, although that quickly wears off. It then becomes more mild and mellow. Pepper and ginger. The creaminess I want is almost completely hidden, resulting in a mouth feel that is a bit thin.

Finish (20/25): Medium long finish. Nothing more happens really, except for a slight medicinal guest appearance towards the end. It is all rather civilized.

Balance (20/25): I think this will work quite well as an introduction to peated whiskies, and to Laphroaig in particular. For hardcore fans this will probably be a bit too domesticated and laid back. Might be a good summertime Laphroaig, though.

Score (81/100)

Image from Whisky Exchange.

Sláinte! - Thomas