Some love Laphroaig as the flag bearer for Islay Single Malt Scotches because they love the peaty, smokey, almost overpowering flavor profile and other's don't. But this is certainly a unique manly spirit that I like to celebrate as part of my personal collection. The folks at Laphroaig know that I have been a long time fan of the various releases (especially the Laphroaig Triple Wood released last year) so they shared their latest with me as well, Laphroaig Select!

This new release takes the classic Laphroaig expression and extends it by first blending together the best of the other styles of Laphroaig - Quarter Cask, PX Cask, Triple Wood and Ten Year and then finishing it off in new American Oak casks that are placed in the highest, warmest months of the Scottish summer.

John Campbell, Laphroaig Distillery Manager can take you through more of the background as well as the official tasting notes for the spirit in the video below.

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As you can see, the complex blending of maturation techniques gives Laphroaig Select a flavor that is both classic as well as unique that while still retaining the classic peat smoke heritage, delivers a more oaky, drier flavors that I find softer and more refined, allowing more of the sweet and floral notes of the scotch to come through.

Ultimately, this results in a spirit that is both familiar but less overpowering to uninitiated Islay Scotch drinkers. Don't just take my word for it though! Laphroaig has fully embraced social media and wants your opinion so you can share it by using #OpinionsWelcome or visiting www.Laphroaig.com/Opinions to read more.

Laphroaig Select is 80 proof and priced at $55 for a standard 750ml bottle.