Select
Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky
40% ABV (80 proof)
~$60 (sample provided)
From the description on the back label: "With spirit selected by our master distiller from Quarter Cask, our PX Cask and Triple Wood (European Oak casks)..." All of these are then apparently mingled and then aged in American Oak for another 6 months.
Color: pale gold...actually looks a little bit lighter than the 10 year.
Smell: it's a little more subdued on the nose than the 10 year. There's less noticeable peat - the edges seem rounded off a bit. Still plenty of peat smoke and unmistakable Islay character, but there's a touch more sweetness (raisins) and nuttiness (almonds) coming through on the nose. So it's wet bandages, with a slight twist, all in a very pleasing sniff.Taste: lots of honey and also a slight raisin sweetness on the smooth entry. The transition brings in some of the characteristic peat smoke, but again, it's much softer than the full-fledged mouth assault of the 10 year. The medium-short finish brings the sweet nuttiness back into play again - it's a soft return to the original sniff that fades a bit quicker than I'd like...perhaps blame the tame proof point?
Overall: It's good, but not as good as the 10 year for me...solid B, but a stretch at $60 in my opinion. What's good: it's smooth, well-balanced, and totally unobjectionable. What's lacking: depth of flavor, and the Islay punch in the mouth. I'm torn - this is very good whiskey, and well worth trying. However, after spending time with both bottles, I think about and crave the 10 year. It could very well be the case that I'm too used to big-time bourbon flavors and, as such, am projecting my preferences onto the Scotch world. However, I can't help but feel that Laphroaig is blending away a little too much of its characteristic Islay flavor profile in the interest of creating a smooth sipper.
