Laphroaig Sherry Oak Finish Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky 10 Year Old

Laphroaig 10 Year Old Sherry Oak Finish is a richly layered Islay single malt Scotch whisky that combines the distillery’s unmistakable peat smoke with the sweetness and complexity of Oloroso sherry casks. Based on the classic Laphroaig 10 Year Old, this expression is initially matured in ex-bourbon barrels before being finished in hand-selected European oak casks previously used to mature Oloroso sherry.

The additional sherry-cask maturation brings greater richness and depth to Laphroaig’s famously smoky, medicinal and maritime character. Sweet Manuka honey, maple syrup and dark chocolate sit alongside seaweed, iodine, grilled bacon and smouldering peat, creating a powerful balance between coastal smoke and aromatic sherry sweetness. Bottled at 48% ABV, it delivers a fuller and more concentrated drinking experience than the standard Laphroaig 10 Year Old.

Produced at Laphroaig Distillery on the southern coast of Islay, this 10-year-old single malt retains the bold personality that has made the distillery one of the island’s most recognisable names. The influence of ex-bourbon wood builds vanilla sweetness and structure, while the Oloroso sherry casks add dried fruit, nuttiness, warming spice and a rich, waxy texture without obscuring the whisky’s distinctive peat smoke and briny coastal character.

The nose opens with medicinal peat smoke, Manuka honey and strong cloves, followed by leather, iodine and savoury smoked bacon. The palate is sweet, aromatic and full-bodied, delivering toffee, maple syrup and dark chocolate alongside pine needles, cedar and oily smoke. A long finish brings lingering sweetness, smouldering peat, roasted nuts and a final touch of sea salt.

Presented in a 70cl bottle with its original cardboard tube, Laphroaig 10 Year Old Sherry Oak Finish is an excellent choice for drinkers who enjoy heavily peated whisky but want additional richness from sherry-cask maturation. It is particularly rewarding served neat, although a small amount of water opens further layers of honey, dark chocolate, dried fruit and aromatic smoke.