Laphroaig 10 free#

The moss and vegetation that covers the island decay and remain wet adding layers on top of each other to create a thick, black muddy substance – peat. The combination of salt, seaweed, water, and a mild climate creates a sort of bog. Islay is always wet, drenched by rain and swept by sea breezes. It is a tiny island with a population of less than 5,000. Slightly south of the other islands, the temperatures do not reach freezing and are milder than say, the Highlands. The Island of Islay sits just off the west coast of Scotland. Blended whiskies are a combination of different malts and grains. These are a combination of different malts from different distilleries.Ĭaol Ila also uses their whisky in a number of blended whiskies (different from blended malt whiskies) that are sold around the world. While most Islay scotch is the recognizable single malt, there are a few blended malt scotches from Islay as well. There is a more in-depth discussion below, but single malt is mostly made from malt produced, distilled and bottled all in one distillery. And whisky distillation has been a part of Islay’s history for over 500 years. A D is one star and a D- one-half of a star.Simply put, an Islay Scotch is a single malt scotch or blended malt scotch that originates from the island of Islay. A C- is two stars.ĭ+ to D-: Below average whiskey. A B- is three stars.Ĭ+ to C-: Average whiskey. The best of the mass market whiskeys fit in this category, as do the bulk of the premium brands. Five stars.Ī-: A fine bottle of whiskey, representing the top end of the conventional, premium range.ī and B-: Good and above average. Above five stars.Ī: An outstanding bottle of whiskey, but lacking that special something which makes for a true masterpiece. A+: A masterpiece and one of the ten best whiskeys of its type. Some 'premium' whiskeys really are quite terrible, while some mass market products are good enough to pour into a decanter and serve to the Duke of Edinburgh.

The following indicators should be taken as only a guide and not a set of hard and fast rules. The Whiskey Reviewer uses a letter-based rating system, instead of the numerical 100-grade rating system. You can find it priced all over the map from $59.99 to $99.99, depending on availability and demand. This is a very enjoyable scotch that will serve as one of my “go to” whiskies in the future. What is more, I must admit it’s difficult to slow the experience down to enjoy all aspects of this whisky! It’s a long and satisfying finish that is lightly sweet and creamy. It isn’t overpowering, but leaves plenty of room for adding water if that’s your preference. However, it is balanced and very enjoyable.Īlthough Laphroaig recommends adding water in a 2 to 1 ratio to whisky, I prefer it neat. This is a “full and strong” bodied whisky. Apparently, it has no desire to go anywhere else, delivering a well-balanced exposure of peat couched in a sweet vanilla base. At this point, it just sits down and makes itself at home.

The mouth is coated with a wonderful texture as the activity first hits the top back of the mouth before migrating quickly to mid-tongue. The first experience in the mouth is of a very light pleasant sweetness, softness and creaminess. There is a light cereal nose on top of light vanilla oak, and a surprising lack of alcohol burn on the nose for something so strong. The nose is more subtle than I would expect, but does have something of a medicinal aroma. The liquid’s long legs give the appearance of a slightly creamier whisky, a very inviting appearance that begs the consumer to dive right in. It still holds a golden color, but a darker one. The Laphroaig 10 Year Cask Strength is a little darker in the glass than the regular 10 year. My bottle of 10 Year Old was bottled in January 2015 at 112.6 proof at comes from batch 007. That water source became the foundation for a truly memorable whisky.

Laphroaig 10 free#

They found their property strategically located next to the Kilbride Stream, where the waters were soft, amazingly peaty and free of most minerals. The original Laphroaig Distillery got its start in 1815 because Donald and Alexander Johnston had excess barley on their hands, beyond what they needed as cattle feed.