What Is the Best Laphroaig to Buy?

Some distilleries you just connect with, and before too long you discover you have quite a range and have tried even more.

For me, that could be Campbeltown kings Kilkerran, the more local Cotswolds, new titans Glasgow Distillery and, of course, Ben Nevis.

However, one brand I have really connected with is Laphroaig. It was only when hunting for a bottle in a previous video that I discovered just how many open bottles I have from this distillery.

So what better way to celebrate than to fly through and rank them from the forgettable ones to the top tier peaty delights? So join me as I rank from Worst to Best.

Watch the full video here which contains more notes, reviews and scores for Laphroaigs

Laphroaig 10 Year Old Review

Coming in last, I am sure sacrilegiously, is the classic Laphroaig 10 Year Old.

It is the cult entry bottle to the distillery and the most widely available, yet it is my least favourite of the Laphroaigs I have tried.

Fully matured in ex bourbon casks and released at 40% ABV, it falls a bit flat for me. I don’t mind a good low proof dram, but I feel it needs more to carry those medicinal, smoky notes. It is a bit like ashtray water. I like it, it is fine, but it could be better.

At around £30 to £40, it is an average whisky, slightly above average at that. There is better out there.

Laphroaig 15 Year Old, 1980s Review

Moving from the cheapest to the most expensive on the list, we have the late 1980s Laphroaig 15 Year Old, which can cost upwards of £1,750.

I first tried this blind and was underwhelmed. There was a soft, subtle nose of green jelly babies and burnt earth, with peaty brine and cabbage. The palate brought boiled cabbage, mineral smoke, rubber, blue cheese and Victoria sponge cake.

The texture was so thin that it couldn’t build up much flavour. It was silky, elegant and soft, but not what you expect from a Laphroaig. Try a dram for the experience, but I wouldn’t say it comes anywhere close to justifying the price.

Laphroaig Càirdeas 2026 French Oak Review

The 2026 annual Càirdeas release is fully matured in tight grained French oak casks.

At 52.6% ABV, with no added colour or chill filtration, this is a woody whisky.

From dry oak tannins to rye like wood sugar spice, the cask has quite an effect. There is sooty smoke, salty burnt popcorn and lemon on the nose, with buttery, oily oak notes on the palate. It is a really good Laphroaig, although at £90, I would feel happier paying £60 to £70.

Laphroaig Lore Review

When I first connected with Laphroaig, so many people told me this was the bottle I needed to get.

The first few drams underwhelmed me, but after a couple more, it clicked. This is not your normal Laphroaig. It is a more mellow beast, a proper slump whisky for sitting in an armchair.

Expect salted dark chocolate, buttery toffee richness and a dry finish. At around £65, it is a good social bottle, and one that always makes you want one dram more.

Laphroaig Quarter Cask Review

For about half the price of Lore, you have what I think is an underrated bottle.

At 48% ABV, it gives you more of that Laphroaig punch.

The whisky combines standard ex bourbon maturation with a finishing period in smaller quarter casks. The result is sweeter, brighter caramel, oaky dryness and that salty, medicinal, hospital fire smoke that just slaps.

I really dig this dram. It could easily be an 8/10.

Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength Review

At 56.5% ABV, this is a beast that gives you your money’s worth, especially if you add a little water.

There is huge peat, but the alcohol burn isn’t as fierce as you might expect. It is fruity, oaky, dry, gripping and powerful. Not just a tyre fire, a Marks and Spencer tyre fire. With added water it brings out more fruit and creaminess.

I don’t reach for this often, but every time I have, I have enjoyed it.

## The top tier peaty delights

Laphroaig 15 Year Old Review

The new Laphroaig 15 Year Old absolutely slaps.

At 46% ABV, it has a declared natural colour, is non chill filtered and is fully matured in ex bourbon casks.

It is pure Laphroaig with some floral goodness, and I love it. At £79, it is steep, but keep an eye out for offers.

Laphroaig 10 Sherry Oak Review

I think this is my third bottle purchased of this. That says a lot.

At 48% ABV, it combines ten year old ex bourbon matured whisky with an Oloroso sherry finish. Peat and sherry are a dream pairing, and this is the pinnacle of balance.

Think jam doughnuts on fire, bacon, brie and cranberry toasted paninis, honey, syrup, nuts and magic. I have paid between £40 and £46 for it, and while some places charge £55 to £60, it is well worth it in my books.

Watch the full video here for the full tasting, scores and rankings.