Laphroaig 10 Year Old Sherry Oak Finish

Description

Laphroaig 10 Year Old Sherry Oak Finish Bottling Note

Laphroaig 10 Year Old Sherry Oak Finish is a bold Islay single malt crafted by the iconic Laphroaig Distillery, combining intense peat smoke with the rich depth of Oloroso sherry casks.

Produced on the rugged southern coast of Islay, Scotland, Laphroaig Distillery has long been celebrated for its distinctive peated whiskies. The 10 Year Old Sherry Oak Finish is a refined evolution of their classic expression, introduced in 2021 to showcase a deeper, more complex character. This release follows the traditional maturation path of the original Laphroaig 10 Year Old, spending the majority of its aging period in American oak ex-bourbon barrels. However, it undergoes an additional finishing stage of 12 to 18 months in carefully selected European oak Oloroso sherry casks, which imparts a layered sweetness and aromatic richness to the whisky.

Bottled at a robust 48% ABV, this single malt retains the signature medicinal smokiness and maritime character that defines Laphroaig, while introducing a harmonious balance of sherry-driven complexity. The interplay between the bold peat and the nuanced influence of sherry casks results in a whisky that is both powerful and elegant. Its full-bodied nature and refined finish make it a standout within Laphroaig’s core range, offering a fresh perspective on a beloved classic.

Ideal for enthusiasts seeking depth and character, Laphroaig 10 Year Old Sherry Oak Finish exemplifies the distillery’s commitment to innovation while honoring its storied heritage. Whether you’re expanding your appreciation of Islay malts or exploring sherry cask finishes, this expression delivers a compelling journey through smoke, oak, and time.

Laphroaig 10 Year Old Sherry Oak Finish Tasting Note

Nose: The Nose opens with a potent, earthy medicinal smoke, immediately followed by a rich tide of Manuka honey and dark baking spices. Notes of cured leather and a faint, sweet hint of smoky bacon emerge, perfectly setting up the complex flavour interaction.

Palate: The Palate is waxy and full-bodied, presenting an initial burst of treacle toffee and rich maple syrup. This sweetness is quickly overtaken by a core of smouldering peat and bitter dark chocolate, with undertones of dried figs and cedary wood, creating a delightful push-pull between the smoke and sherry influence.

Finish: The Finish is long and warming, leaving behind a persistent memory of sweet spice, sea-salt brine, and lingering ash. A final nutty warmth settles on the tongue, completing the harmonious balance struck between the sherry’s depth and the Islay smoke.

Overall: Overall, this expression successfully marries the uncompromising character of Laphroaig’s peat with the fruity complexity of Oloroso sherry, offering a richer, sweeter, and more integrated dram than the standard 10-Year-Old.