A Peated Icon from Islay

Among the many peated single malts produced on the Scottish island of Islay, few are as distinctive—or as polarising—as Laphroaig. The 10 Year Old expression remains the cornerstone of the distillery’s core range and serves as a benchmark for fans of medicinal, maritime peat.

Laphroaig 10 is matured entirely in ex-bourbon barrels, which allow the natural characteristics of the heavily peated spirit to shine. The whisky is non-chill filtered and bottled at 40% ABV (or 43% in some markets), retaining a full mouthfeel and a pronounced intensity of flavour. On the nose, one finds an unmistakable iodine note, accompanied by seaweed, brine, and antiseptic, layered over smouldering peat smoke. On the palate, Laphroaig 10 delivers a combination of savoury smoke, black pepper, liquorice, and a touch of sweetness from the American oak casks. The finish is long, dry, and memorably smoky.

The distinctive character of Laphroaig can be traced to both its production methods and its location. The distillery malts a portion of its own barley on-site, drying it over peat fires using locally harvested Islay peat, which contains high levels of moss and seaweed. This imparts a markedly medicinal quality to the smoke—a signature trait not shared by its Islay neighbours. The water used comes from the Kilbride Stream, running through peat-rich terrain, further influencing the final flavour.

Laphroaig was officially established in 1815 by brothers Donald and Alexander Johnston, though illicit distilling likely occurred on the site beforehand. Over the next two centuries, the distillery would grow in both reputation and reach, eventually becoming one of the most recognisable names in peated whisky worldwide. Notably, it has long been the only whisky to carry the Royal Warrant of the Prince of Wales—a distinction granted in 1994.

Today, Laphroaig continues to honour its traditions while embracing modern whisky drinkers. The distillery offers a wide range of expressions, but the 10 Year Old remains a definitive introduction to Islay peat and a key reference point in the world of smoky single malts.

Laphroaig is not a whisky for everyone—but that is precisely what has earned it a loyal following. For those who appreciate bold, unapologetic flavours, it remains a classic.