Laphroaig is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year with a few special releases.  One of them is this 15-year-old expression.  It used to be a whisky in their core range, but that was a few years ago.  Now, for a limited time, fans can pick up a bottle.  I won’t be comparing this to the old bottling, as I’ve never had the old bottling.

Right out front is that peat smoke, but it’s not as dominant as in the 10-year-old Laphroaig.  Instead, it’s a bit mellower and sharing some space with a pineapple note, along with some toffee, citrus (orange) and a vegetal note.  This carries over onto the palate.  It starts off with sweet pineapple, followed by peat smoke, vanilla, seaweed, orange peel and salt.  The medium finish is reminiscent of smoky fruit.

I’ve got to admit, the tropical fruit note threw me a bit off and the smoke was kept in check.  It was sort of like eating a smoked ham.  You know, the kind with the pineapple on it.  It really grew on me by the third or fourth sip.  It’s a nice whisky, overall.  I’m thrilled to have been able to taste Laphroaig 15-year-old.  Now, to find my own bottle…    Recommended!

Laphroaig Select is an ode to the distillery’s history.  According to their website, Ian Hunter, the last family member owner of the Laphroaig, was one of the first distillers to select bourbon casks to age his whisky in.  He would then marry this whisky with Laphroaig traditionally matured in European casks.

This new expression of Laphroaig is a blend of whiskies matured in different types of casks: Oloroso sherry butts, American white oak (non-filled with bourbon), PX seasoned hogsheads, quarter casks and first fill bourbon casks.  They created six different blends.  Members of Friends of Laphroaig, the distillery’s whisky club, voted for their favorite, gave it a name and voila!  We have Laphroaig Select.

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