LAPHROAIG 10 year old

© March '12  photo by smck

Michael Jackson's Complete Guide to Single Malt Scotch gives this Laphroaig a rating of 86 and in my estimation it is richly deserved though I personally would give it a 90.  It is easily in my top six malts, all of which are the greatest among equals - depending on which I am sampling at the given moment. Mr. Jackson says of the 'Finish' (one of those arcane descriptions which I think is easily understood - after you have sipped and savored and swallowed what is the lingering aftermath on your tongue) "Long, perfectly weighted, with rich and intense peat and smoke".  Amen!

Of course this is because I love peaty, smokey malts and at this Laphroig is a master - strong,  intense, rich and well short of turning a good malt into a braising for charcoaled meats as some recently released Peat Monsters might be guilty of.  


My take - If you are a beginning scotch fan this might or might not be a good malt to start with.  Ask yourself are you looking for smoothness, easy to drink, undemanding whisky or are you seeking that rare taste that explodes on your tongue flying you away to a Scottish isle with the breathless taste of peat and salty seas.  A tasting experience that will have you anticipating the next awesome sip.  Your choice.