Laphroaig Select

Let røg, vandet for meget ned, alt for let,

Nice oak tastes, races to the finish though.

Add a touch of water and ashy taste fades to more pleasant smokyness

Review transfer from Barreled from November 2016 Select is a NAS from Laphroaig. 6 new recipes were created, then voted on by the Friends of Laphroaig and this was the winner. It is a combination of the 10 YO, Quarter Cask, Triple Wood, and PX Cask varieties. I had a 5oz sample from a friend that I used for this review. This one comes in at 40% ABV, is chill filtered and is a natural golden color. The nose is quite weak for a Laphroaig. Peat smoke up front. It quickly turns to a slightly briny, maritime character. Light oak and sawdust. Some vanilla but not much. After a bit of time in the glass some red fruits show up from the Oloroso and Pedro Ximenez Sherry casks. Some floral notes mixed in there as well. The palate is equally weak (for a Laphroaig) to go with the nose. Sweetness initially which becomes a slightly peppery oak. Not too peaty when compared to the 10YO or Quarter Cask. The mouthfeel is very thin and unobtrusive. The finish is short and uneventful for a Laphroaig. Peat smoke and some pepper that lingers a bit. If this was the winner of the contest I would not want to try the other 5. This is a miss from Laphroaig, a brand that I love and hold in high regards. The 10 YO, Quarter Cask, Lore are all great. I have the 18 and 15 year olds that I have yet to try, but I suspect will be winners as well. This one is $5-10 more than the 10 YO so it really makes it that much less appealing. If it was at 43% or higher it may have helped. I can say that if you want a lighter Laphroaig this would be perfect. It's ok for a quick drink after work or in a bar where you aren't dissecting your dram. Select was actually the first Laphroaig I ever purchased a little over a year ago. At the time I thought it was great, but having tried so many more peated scotches I can easily say I will not be buying another bottle. 3.25. Cheers