Laphroaig 10 Years Old (40%)

Tar, iodine and a rubbery, coal-gas mineral streak: this is the 10 Years Old that built Laphroaig's name and divides drinkers on first sip. The flagship has changed little because it has never needed to.

The peat does the heavy lifting. Laphroaig kilns part of its malt over Islay peat at the distillery near Port Ellen, and ten years in ex-Bourbon barrels frame that smoke rather than soften it.

Guaiacol and phenols carry the medicinal punch at 40%, with leather, a mossy note and that coal-gas edge underneath, vanilla from the oak the only concession to sweetness.