Description

Laphroaig Aged 10 Years Original Cask Strength Islay Single Malt Whisky – Batch 013 (700ml)

Volume: 700ml           ABV: 57.9%            Age: No Age Statement        Country: Scotland

Laphroaig is Gaelic for ‘the beautiful hollow by the broad bay’. Opened in 1815 this distillery has a wonderful history and produces exceptionally memorable whisky. Positioned in a bay sheltered by rocky islands the distillery has the warm seas of the Gulf Stream nearby to help in maturation process. The water comes from Kilbride Dam a natural water source on Islay. In making Laphroaig, malted barley is dried over a peat fire. The smoke from this peat, found only on Islay, gives Laphroaig its particularly rich flavour. American bourbon casks are used to mature this whisky and they produce a unique 10, 18 and 25 year old range of single malts.

Interesting fact about Laphroaig is that during prohibition it was allowed to be imported into America because customer’s thought it had medicinal purposes.

The Laphroaig 10 Year Old Cask Strength Batch 013 is a powerful and celebrated expression from the iconic Islay distillery. It represents a purist’s take on Laphroaig’s classic peated style, bottled with minimal intervention to deliver maximum flavour. Matured exclusively in ex-Bourbon barrels. This is a crucial detail, as it allows the distillery’s signature peat and maritime character to shine without the heavy influence of sherry or other finishing casks. Batch 013 was released in 2021 and bottled at 57.9% alc/vol, natural cask strength. This whisky is “barrier-filtered” to remove small char particles, but it is non-chill-filtered. This is a common practice for cask strength whiskies and ensures a richer texture and mouthfeel. Bottled at natural colour, drawn from the wood during its decade of maturation.

Our Tasting Notes

Nose: An intense and complex aroma. You can expect a big wave of medicinal phenols, iodine, and sea salt, which are hallmarks of Laphroaig. This is typically complemented by notes of sweet vanilla fudge, creamy cereals, pipe tobacco, and charred oak. Some reviewers also find hints of citrus peel, savory barbecue sauce, and a subtle ashiness.

Palate: Full-bodied and oily, with a powerful burst of peat smoke. The initial flavour profile is a combination of sweet and spicy notes, including vanilla, toffee, and cinnamon. This is quickly followed by the classic Laphroaig character of sea salt, black pepper, and iodine. Many reviews note a surprising fruitiness, with hints of orange and lemon cutting through the smoke. With a few drops of water, the whisky can open up, revealing more of the sweet and creamy notes.

Finish: The finish is long, warming, and undeniably smoky. The peat smoke lingers for a very long time, accompanied by a growing dryness from the oak tannins, and a final farewell of sea salt and spice.