About this whisky

Laphroaig has been distilled on Islay's south coast since 1815, and its bold, medicinal peat smoke is unmistakable. The distillery still cuts its own peat and malts some of its barley on traditional floor maltings. Select, now labelled Oak Select, was created to show a gentler side of that character. It draws on a mix of casks: Oloroso sherry butts, Pedro Ximénez hogsheads, first-fill bourbon barrels and Laphroaig's signature small quarter casks, with a final rest in virgin American oak.

Peat comes first on the nose, then ripe red fruit from the sherry casks and a dry note of American oak. The palate is full-bodied and sweet before ashy, peaty flavours arrive, leading to a floral finish with hints of marzipan and lime. At 40%, it is a friendly starting point for anyone curious about Islay whisky, and it works beautifully in a smoky Highball, where the peat and fruit stretch out over soda.

Key facts

• Renamed from 'Select' to 'Oak Select' in a 2023 rebrand
• Matured in Oloroso sherry butts, Pedro Ximénez hogsheads, first-fill bourbon casks and quarter casks, then finished in virgin American oak
• Laphroaig distillery founded in 1815 on Islay's south coast
• Laphroaig still cuts its own peat and malts some barley on traditional floor maltings

Tasting notes

Nose:

peat first, then ripe red fruit and a dry note of American oak

Palate:

full-bodied and sweet, then dry, ashy peat smoke

Finish:

long and floral, with marzipan and lime

Serve

Neat or with a splash of water, or as a smoky Highball: 50 ml over ice, topped with chilled soda and a lemon twist.

Food pairing

Try it with Tangra-style chilli chicken or garlic prawns, or with smoked salmon on rye.