Embarking on an Islay adventure, I delve into the exquisite realm of Laphroaig with a head-to-head comparison of the renowned Laphroaig 10 vs Quarter Cask single malt Scotch whiskies.
Islay – a name that conjures visions of a windswept, solitary island amidst the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. Its history, rich with tales of exploration and conquest, is woven into the fabric of its rugged landscape, adorned with a few remaining Neolithic standing stones atop granite hills.
And what better way to immerse oneself in the essence of Islay than with two bottles of Laphroaig Islay single malt Scotch whisky?
Laphroaig, the epitome of Islay’s essence, draws its name from the waters of Loch Laphroaig on the island’s southern coast. Established by the Johnson brothers in 1815, this distillery has changed hands over the years, now residing in the Beam Suntory stable. Other Scottish distilleries in the portfolio include Auchentoshan and Bowmore distillery.
The distinctive characteristic of Laphroaig emanates from its proximity to the ocean and the abundant moss-laden peat of its surroundings. Now, let’s uncover how these two exceptional expressions fare when placed side by side.
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The 10 year old Islay single malt Scotch whisky is part of the Laphroaig core (Iconic) range. It was aged for ten years in ex-bourbon barrel casks. There are various cask-strength versions, as well as the standard 40% ABV release.
Introduced in 2004, the Laphroaig Quarter Cask Islay single malt Scotch whisky undergoes a unique ageing process. Initially matured in standard ex-bourbon oak barrels, it is transferred to smaller quarter casks, intensifying the interaction between whisky and oak. It is a NAS release.
| Laphroaig 10 yo | Laphroaig Quarter Cask | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Single malt whisky | Single malt whisky |
| ABV | 40% | 48% |
| Colour | Dark gold | Sparking gold |
| Age statement | 10 year old | NAS |
| Nose | Big and bold with notes of moist ocean air, seedweed, smoke, peat, iodine and ash but with hints of fruity sweetness, bits of salted caramel. | Burnt peat, seaweed and medicinal iodine. Mild smoke and a surprising hint of spicy sweetness. A bold, rich, and complex aroma. |
| Palate | The peatiness and the sweetness is nicely balanced. Notes of iodene, charred wood, smoke, earth and malt softened by sweeter ripe fruit drizzled with honey. A burnt coffee bean note in the background. Big and bold bold, but with class and finesse. | There are notes of peat, smoke and seaweed. Hints of iodine, citrus and honey. In the background oak, smoked bacon, cinnamon and tobacco. The addition of water makes the Quarter Cask smoother and softens the medicinal notes. |
| Finish | Long and lingering with reminders of burning driftwood and caramel. | It's long, and it's lingering, and it's complex. It changes from peat to sweet to spicy. |
| My Rating | Excellent | Excellent |
| Price | $47 / £38 | $70 / £43 |
| Pairs well with | Smoked ribs or brisket, blue cheese, or dark chocolate | BBQed meats, cured salmon, and strong cheeses |
While both whiskies embody the quintessential Laphroaig essence of peat, ash, and smoke, they are very different when compared.
The Laphoriag 10 year old whisky’s nose has notes of salty ocean air and fresh fruit sweetness. Tasting continues the peat and smoke, mixed with toasted oak, honey, and a light note of burnt coffee beans. The finish is long and lingering.
On the other hand, the Laphroaig Quarter Cask whisky has bolder medicinal notes mixed with spices on the nose. On the palate, the Quarter Cask has more citrus, smoked bacon, cinnamon, and hints of tobacco. Again, there is a long and lingering finish, but it is spicier than the 10 year old.
In terms of affordability, the Laphroaig Quater Cask single malt whisky retails for around £43 and the standard 10 year old single malt Scotch for £38.
Choosing a favourite proves challenging. The Laphroaig 10 year old has a more seaweed and fruit vibe, while the Quarter Cask is medicinal and spicy with more wooden notes.
I enjoyed the 10 year old release because of the sweet notes, but hubby prefers the Quarter Cask due to the spice. Both are excellent drams; it just comes down to your own preference.
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Hi Jeannette! Great blog! Your whisky reviews are great! Like you, I'm a big fan of Ardbeg Uigeadail and An Oa too. I love the peat and sherry combination. There's a newish (last few years?) Laproaig 10 year sherry oak offering out there that I'd be very curious for you to review. I haven't tried it but it sounds intriguing.