Laphroaig Four Oak Whisky

It feels like a peat focused year and this week is no exception. The spotlight this week is shining on the Laphroaig Four Oak Islay single malt Scotch whisky. Peated whiskies always seem to beckon me from the shelves when it comes time to choose, and this particular expression has certainly piqued my interest.

It’s a testament to the evolution of my palate as I explore the whisky landscape, or it’s simply John’s penchant for picking up peated gems on his travels.

Regardless, let’s dive into the realm of the Laphroaig Four Oak whisky release. Many whisky aficionados see Laphroaig as the essential Islay.

Nestled just outside Port Ellen, this distillery, founded in 1815 by Alexander and Donald Johnston, has etched its name in the annals of whisky history. Under the wing of the Beam Suntory Group since 2014, Laphroaig draws its water from Loch Laphroaig on the island’s southern coast.

The distinctive character of Laphroaig comes from its proximity to the ocean and the abundant moss-laden peat of its surroundings.  

Laphroaig holds a prominent place in my collection, with the Laphroaig PX Cask reigning as one of my favourites.

The Laphroaig Four Oak was released for the travel retail market in 2016.  The Four Oak is a combination of whisky matured in four different oak types, namely ex-bourbon barrels, 19th Century-style quarter casks, virgin American oak barrels and European oak hogsheads. It is a non-age statement release.

Laphroaig Four Oak Whisky Review

ABV: 40%

COLOUR: Bright gold

REGION: Islay in Scotland

NOSE: Not as bold as I have come to expect from Laphroaig. There are notes of smoke and medicinal peat mixed with iodine, damp wood, caramel sweetness, hints of red berries and roasted nuts. There is a faint spiciness in the background combined with vanilla, dark roasted coffee beans and malt.

PALATE: The Laphroaig Four Oaks has notes of peat and ash with bits of tar and salty dry seaweed. Oak and a dried fish note mingle with a caramel sweetness, pepper, vanilla and sultanas: soft medicinal TCP and iodine.

Subdued vanilla, cardamom and nutmeg stand next to almonds, burnt coffee beans and salty Dutch drop (liquorice). It feels a bit unfinished, and adding water thins the Laphroaig out. It has a light mouthfeel with a slight alcohol heat. Nothing like the refined Laphroaig Quarter Cask or the bold and complex 10 year old release.

FINISH: The Laphroaig Four Oaks finish is drying burnt wood and pepper. Medium length with hints of iodine, peat and salted caramel. Bits of vanilla and hints of salty liquorice.

RATING: GOOD

This is probably my least favourite Laphroaig, with the exception of the Laphroaig Brodir. I might even call it boring. It lacks the bold medicinal peat, ash, and smoke that I came to expect from Laphroaig.

Water tones down the alcohol heat but also tones down any interesting notes. Don’t add water. It feels like a very young single malt whisky. A redeeming feature is the salty liquorice notes. It reminds me a bit of Dutch drop, which I love.

The Four Oak retail for around $72 in the USA or £ 61 in the UK. I am not sure it is worth it for a non-age-statement single malt Scotch that feels very young. For GBP 60, I would rather buy some Talisker or Caol Ila whisky.

I have done a side by side comparison between the Laphroaig 10 year old and the  Quarter Cask whisky release to see how they differ.