The beginner’s guide to drinking Laphroaig
From the rugged hills of the Scottish island of Islay comes Laphroaig – a whisky that takes a little time to get to know, but is impossible to forget. A household name amongst whisky connoisseurs, its unique taste is credited to the fact that it’s crafted in a place like no other by a people like no other. People of passion, conviction and vision, who are dedicated to nurturing a whisky of immeasurable depth and complexity.
The whisky’s taste has been described as peaty, unforgettable, divisive, smoky and so much more. Every sip of Laphroaig tells a tale of boundless heart, true character, over 200 years of experience, and the wild strength and resolve of the island of Islay herself.
From Scotland to South Africa
The team at Laphroaig believes that passion should be shared. From the amateur to the connoisseur – they’re inviting everyone to share in the rich experience of the authentic single malt whisky. While Laphroaig is no stranger to South Africa, there are still plenty of people in our market who are yet to experience their first Laphroaig.
The iconic 10 Year Old is the original Laphroaig and the perfect place to start for a solid introduction into a world of flavour. Distilled the same way today as when Ian Hunter created it more than 75 years ago, it forms the foundation of all other Laphroaig expressions.
In making Laphroaig, malted barley is dried over a peat fire. The smoke from this peat, found only on Islay, gives the whisky its famous rich flavour. When drinking the 10 Year Old, expect a bold, smoky taste at first, followed by a hint of seaweed, a surprising sweetness and a long finish. It’s this interplay between salty and sweet that defines this spirit. This smoky richness is a unique taste that is sure to stick with you.
Sipping your first Laphroaig
When it comes to the actual drinking of Laphroaig, there are an array of options to choose from. You could drink it neat, with ice, or with water. It is, however, important to note that there are many things that can influence the taste of your whisky drinking experience – the glass you choose to drink from, for instance, is a subtle game changer.
The tumbler is a favourite due to its practicality. However, if you really want to fully experience the various notes of your whisky, you may want to opt for something with a tulip shape or tapered neck, and a bulb shaped body. This will help you pick up on the aromas of the spirit, which will ultimately influence the tastes that you pick up on when you take a sip.
To add ice or not to add ice? Many whisky connoisseurs prefer to drink their whisky without any additions at all. This is so that they can experience the flavours of the spirit to its fullest. However, if you are new to drinking whisky – this may be a bit too overpowering. Adding a little water to your whisky is a great way to ease into the strong taste.
Adding a block of ice or two to your whisky will detract from the aromas, but will offer you a cooler sipping experience. The addition of ice will also slowly dilute your drink– which may be the perfect solution for someone who is trying to migrate to drinking whisky neat. Alternatively, you could opt for whisky rocks – small ice block shaped rocks that are kept in a freezer. They will add chill to your drink but will not melt and dilute the flavour of your whisky.
Something a little different
If drinking whisky neat just isn’t your cup of tea – a whisky sour may be just the thing for you. A whisky sour is a cocktail consisting of whisky mixed with sugar and lemon or lime juice. It’s easy to make and is the perfect evening drink, especially during the colder months.
To make a whisky sour, you’ll need: 50 ml Laphroaig 10 Year Old whisky; 20 ml Lemon juice; 1 Sugar cube; and 1 Egg white (optional).
Combine your ingredients into a cocktail shaker, fill with ice and shake for ten seconds (if you’re using the egg white, give it a little extra muscle and a little extra time). Strain into a chilled cocktail glass, or into an ice-filled glass. Garnish with a cherry or a slice of orange and enjoy! If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, ditch the egg white and simply mix the ingredients together by hand.
The secret to enjoying a good whisky is drinking it the way you like it best. Laphroaig is no different, don’t be afraid to tailor your whisky drinking experience.
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