This Laphroaig 10 review is completely unbiased. I purchased the bottle myself so you can be assured of a fair review.
Laphroaig 10 Review
Ah, Laphroaig 10. It’s a classic alright. I first tried this back when I was almost exclusively a rum drinker. I’d picked up a couple of different miniatures from Sainsbury’s as a cheap way of dipping my toes in the whisky waters. Suffice it to say, the iodine hit of Laphroaig 10 was not what I was expecting.
I can’t say it was instant smash for me. In fact, the first thing I did was google to see if I’d somehow ended up with a bad bottle that had gone off or been tampered with in some sort of malicious fashion.
Cue several articles and videos waxing lyrical about its strange insulin-like aroma and taste (I say “taste”, but I’m yet to sample any neat insulin for obvious reasons). I enjoyed the novelty of this interesting little curio with its surprising taste, but at the same time, was relieved that I hadn’t bought a full-size bottle.
I hadn’t quite been put off whisky by that point though, and ended up buying a cheap supermarket-own Islay single malt that promised a complex and smoky taste.
Being a complete newcomer at the time, I didn’t realise that ‘smoky’ in whisky terms almost always means ‘peat’, the source of the medicinal smell and taste. Trying to get through the bottle was too much, and it stood undisturbed in my drinks cabinet for almost 18 months.
Watching a YouTube vid about the making of peated whiskies made me dig it back out. I wondered if I’d been approaching it with the wrong mindset. I’d been drinking it thinking it was medicinal, instead of being reminded of its vegetal and briney aspects. On drinking this Islay again, I thoroughly enjoyed it, prompting me to seek out a full-size bottle of Laphroaig 10 year old.
How Much is Laphroaig 10 year old?
It can vary fairly wildly between £25 all the way up to £50, but usually settling around £38. Being the savvy saver that I am, I picked this bottle up from Tesco at £28.
On the Nose
If you’re unfamiliar with Islay-style Scotch, then the first thing that you’ll undoubtedly notice is the medicinal, TCP-like fumes emanating from your glass. This, for the uninitiated, is the effect that drying out malt by burning peat has on whisky. It’s a love-it-or-hate-it kinda scenario. There’s barley and a little brine in there too to remind you of its coastal origins.
Is Laphroaig 10 Year Old Suitable for Sipping Neat?
Of course. It’s frequently described as either a smoke or peat bomb, but I’ve never really noticed the smokiness being particularly aggressive. The peaty character really seems to dial down once you become acclimatised to it, and reveals itself as a softer, vegetal taste. There’s sawdust, there’s ash, but one of the main things to pick up is a strong salted pretzel taste. If you can imagine eating a pretzel in a seaside hospital with the window open on Bonfire Night, then you’re just about there.
Is Laphroaig Suitable for Mixing?
Nah, come on now. What are you going to mix this with?
That said, there’s plenty of Laphroaig cocktails online. Can’t imagine it myself, but I’ll no doubt have to try it soon.
Laphroaig 10 Review – Verdict
Oh man, I’ve developed a taste for this now. I’ve gone through it quickly and will now doubt have to pick up another bottle soon when I see it on offer again. ASDA currently have it at £26, so I’m guessing that it’s on offer fairly frequently.
I’ve probably got some more Islay whisky exploring to do yet though. The supermarket own-brand I mentioned earlier in this review was Lidl’s Ben Bracken Islay, which is a measly £16.49. At the moment, Ben Bracken’s existence is the only thing stopping me proclaiming Laphroaig 10 as the bargain to top all bargains.
As it stands though, Laphroaig 10 year old is still incredible value, especially at the offer price of around £26. You also get a wee booklet in each tube that allows you to register a square foot of land outside their distillery in your name. As far as marketing gimmicks go, it’s a pretty nice one. If I ever find myself near Islay, I’ll be sure to visit and claim my miniature as rent payment. 8/10.
You’ll Probably like Laphroaig 10 Year Old if You Already Like…
Ben Bracken Islay, Bowmore 12 (but wished it had a bit more ‘oomph’), that weird hospital smell.
Wondering if you can get that peaty, smoky hit for even cheaper? Take a look at Lidl’s bargain Islay, Ben Bracken.
It’s only subtle, but there’s a pleasing campfire smokiness to this rum too – Appleton Estate 12 year old review.
Hell, if you’re the kind of drinker who even likes their soft drinks a little spiky, check out these chilli-infused non-alcoholic drinks. Maybe I’ll mix one with some Laphroaig and turn time itself inside out.
After something a little sweeter? Have a dekko at this Tullamore DEW review.