Since I started my whiskey journey, I am still shocked and impressed at the vast array of types of scotch that one can buy. Ranging from super sweet sherry bombs to the heavily smoked expressions of Islay. That leads me to my next review.
Laphroaig 10 – 43% ABV
Before I ever tried an ISLAY scotch, I had many people or articles tell me about the big punch of smoke that these scotches tend to have. It wasn’t something I could imagine. I very much incorrectly assumed that all scotch pretty much tasted the same, that harsh finish that makes your eyes water and take a grasp for breath. I couldn’t imagine the sweetest sherry or wine finishes, the bright citrus notes or the acrid smoky taste intermingled with the grainy flavours. Then I tried Laphroaig 10 Year.
As with many of my whiskey experiences, this one also makes me think of home. When I first open the bottle, I am shocked. Immediately it reminds me of my teenage years on the beaches of conception bay. A campfire, a cool salty breeze off the ocean, seeming to find me wherever I stood around the fire. That’s it – Campfire on the beach.
On the nose is the unmistakable smoke and salt. Not at all unpleasant or burnt, but just a smoke filled ocean breeze. I have come to know bigger smoke from scotch, but I find this one more subtle than many. That unmistakable marine beach fire smell.
This of course, makes sense once you do a little research. Islay, and indeed Laphroaig whiskey is very much a coastal, marine distillery. A constant ocean salt enveloping the casks as they age. The smoke coming from the way they dry their barley with peat dug from near by and using it in their furnaces during preparation.
For those of you who can’t pick out different flavours from one scotch to another, pick yourself up a Laphroaig 10 Year. The smoke and salt are immediate and apparent.
This one also changes for me with a few drops of water to open it further. It’s earthy, smoky and maybe even a little nuttiness on the palette.
It’s a great first step onto Islay, and a great reminder of those evenings on the beach next to a warm fire and some laughs with friends. Thank you Laphroaig whiskey!