Laphroiag offerings...

[boboakalfb]

Now I know that this stuff is love it or leave it, and I fall on the former. I am a big fan of Laphroaig's 10 year. I was wondering what would be the next offering to pick up from them? It has been a long time since I sampled the 15 year version and haven't tried the 10 year Cask Strength or Quarter Cask offerings. Now I know some of you will chime in and say get them all...and eventually it will probably happen, but what are your guys thoughts on the other offerings?

[FriscoSoxFan]

Now I know that this stuff is love it or leave it, and I fall on the latter. I am a big fan of Laphroaig's 10 year.

I'm assuming you meant former, not latter?

[boboakalfb]

I'm assuming you meant former, not latter?

Yep...you would have thought I was drinking this morning...thanks.

[ouch]

Starting early again, eh?

[Doc4]

Hhoneshtly ossifer, I don't touch the shtuff!

[boboakalfb]

Hey thanks to the comedians...I guess I deserve it with my original post. Now if anyone has some info that would help me with my original post I would appreciate it.

[TimmyBoston]

Bob, I'd go with the 15, it's a refined version the 10 similar in some ways to the White Horse Lagavulin.

The 10 CS and the Quarter Cask are also excellent. THe CS is a more powerful version of the 10, it's drier and smokier, with more staying power the the Quarter cask is woodier and more complex.

All three are outstanding whisky and I do my best to keep them all on hand, but if I were buying one I think I'd go with the 15.

But you won't go wrong with whatever you choose.

[mano]

Just bought a bottle of the Quarter Cask and tried it a few days ago. Some definite peat and smoke but the smaller cask imparts oak that adds complexity beyond the regular 10 year. While I can't recall the last time I added water to a single malt, this one may benefit from a few drops. Overall an excellent SM.

[SteveS]

Bob, I'd go with the 15, it's a refined version the 10 similar in some ways to the White Horse Lagavulin.

The 10 CS and the Quarter Cask are also excellent. THe CS is a more powerful version of the 10, it's drier and smokier, with more staying power the the Quarter cask is woodier and more complex.


Except on the point of the CS being drier than the 10, I agree with Timmy's descriptions of the offerings, but not his conclusion that you should try the 15 next. To me, the 15 a meek sister to the 10; she's the only one of the four you mentioned I don't keep on hand. The CS is the 10's hairier-chested big brother and the QC is his better-educated cousin. I'd suggest either of them.

[BenWorld]

I agree with SteveS. I actually prefer the 10y to the 15y - the 10 is tastier. I love the cask strength and would give that a try next if I were you. The smoke, cask, honey and oceany flavors are even more intense.

I tried adding a little water the first few glasses, but concluded that it tasted better straight. My method for the CS is to sip smaller amounts before swishing it around the mouth. You will be richly rewarded.

[boboakalfb]

Thanks for your input guys. They are all relatively reasonable until you hit the 30 year so will probably eventually end up with them all. I am leaning towards the CS first though...following that will probably be the 15 and then the QC. The bottle of Lagavulin does need to be replaced also though...which will probably be first.

[vincentl]

Just bought a bottle of the Quarter Cask and tried it a few days ago. Some definite peat and smoke but the smaller cask imparts oak that adds complexity beyond the regular 10 year. While I can't recall the last time I added water to a single malt, this one may benefit from a few drops. Overall an excellent SM.

I think you sum it up nicely! Delightful choice, makes me want to run out and get one for myself...

[doctorsimon]

There is a little box set of all three available -- 250/330ml bottles (I cannot remember which size) of the 10yr, 10yr cask, and 15yr. So you can replenish you stock with all three for a good price.

It was available in the Airport Duty Free shops in the UK.


Simon.

[Bovage]

Give the Ardbeg 10Yrs a try. Great taste.

[Wayne D]

I agree with SteveS. I actually prefer the 10y to the 15y - the 10 is tastier. I love the cask strength and would give that a try next if I were you. The smoke, cask, honey and oceany flavors are even more intense.

I tried adding a little water the first few glasses, but concluded that it tasted better straight. My method for the CS is to sip smaller amounts before swishing it around the mouth. You will be richly rewarded.

you added water :eek: bad man! bad man!:behead:

sorry bit of a traditionalist myself :biggrin: If you ever get a chance to taste a 24 year old Laphroiag and can afford it then grab it with both hands - it is just pure heavenly smoke in a glass.

here in england it fetches £130 a bottle ( about $200), but it is so worth it :001_tt1:

[BenWorld]

you added water bad man! bad man!

sorry bit of a traditionalist myself If you ever get a chance to taste a 24 year old Laphroiag and can afford it then grab it with both hands - it is just pure heavenly smoke in a glass.

here in england it fetches £130 a bottle ( about $200), but it is so worth it


Ha.
The LAPHROAIG website says to add water - that even the master brewer does it! But, as I noted, don't add the water!!

I would love to try the 24 Year Old. I have not seen it here in the states. I should just go to the distillery!

[TimmyBoston]

Ha.
The LAPHROAIG website says to add water - that even the master brewer does it! But, as I noted, don't add the water!!

I would love to try the 24 Year Old. I have not seen it here in the states. I should just go to the distillery!

I could be mistaken, but many Scotch experts say to taste both neat and with a couple drops of water to open up the bouquet.

[Dennis]

I picked up the 10 year cask strength last week. Have had a couple fingers and it is really complex and enjoyable. Definitely different than the Balvenie Double Wood.

Dennis

[boboakalfb]

I picked up the 10 year cask strength last week. Have had a couple fingers and it is really complex and enjoyable. Definitely different than the Balvenie Double Wood.

Dennis

Thats what I enjoy about Single Malts...character...both of those are very different (don't have the CS yet but love the regular 10 year) but very good in their own right. The Balvenie Doublewood is a good bang for your buck. :thumbup1:

[BenWorld]

You are right, TB.

Through the years I've played around with a variety of dilutions - even using a shot glass & eyedropper to track the water added. Adding water does change the nose and the way the liquid displays on the tongue, but I always go back to neat.

It could simply be that my tastebuds are spoiled!

:001_smile

[boboakalfb]

Ok...so I went to Bevmo to pick up a bottle of Laphroaig. They showed that the 15 was out of stock at all of the locations around me but they had the CS and QC. I figured the CS would be the bottle I would pick up. I was disappointed to find that they were out of the CS...however they actually had a couple bottles of the 15 in stock. So I happily picked up a bottle of the 15.

Last night I had the chance to pour myself a dram. This is a more rounded version of the 10...smoother and sweeter. Now this can be looked at a couple of ways...some people may enjoy it more due to its maturity. On the other hand it has moved away from the young & strong in your face flavors. Not far though...

So I am very happy with my purchase and am looking forward to trying the CS and QC versions. If the 10 is just too much for you, you might just enjoy the 15 year version.