Brand new Laphroaig 15 versus Laphroaig 18
For our 450th blog on Long Pour Amour, we are going to compare two Laphroaig single malts with respectable age statements. One is brand new, the other bottled a while longer ago. I am very happy to fill the glasses today, because it seems to me Laphroaig is upping their game as of recently. It is no secret that I am very much a fan of the 12 years old traveller’s exclusive that came out last year. If the new 15 years old is close to that, we are in for a good time! So yes, let us cut 2026 in half on this 1st of July, and sip some peat!
Laphroaig 15 years old, bottled at 46 % abv
First things first: Pronounced “La-Froyg”, the label states. Bottled in 2026. We haven’t seen a “15” since the celebration of 200 years of Laphroaig in 2015 and a more limited Cairdeas expression in 2017.
Upon Sipping: Oh yes, this is the right way forward for Laphroaig. Immediately medicinal, like the glove coming off from a nurse’s hand, who just before washed hands with salted soap. The maritime character is strong in this Laphroaig 15 years old, I like it. Some kelp, and a hint of something fruity that I cannot entirely pinpoint. The taste is tad more middle of the road, sweet peat and a hint of lemon, quite an oily mouthfeel. On the finish, the beautiful smoky signature leaves you wanting more. And then again a hit of bitter medicinal character. I do not know what iodine tastes like, but this comes close to imagining it. With water, we bring out a little bit more fruit, but compared to the 12 years old, or the 18 years old below, this new 15 does lack the in-your-face fruitiness. That is a pity, but it is replaced by a gentle austerity that also satisfies the senses. The water brings out a charcoal note too.
Word to the Wise: A tad fragile, but delivering the goods you want to find in a Laphroaig. I will stick, however, to my beloved 12 years old.
Score: 86 points.
Laphroaig 18 years old, bottled at 48 % abv
First things first: Bottled in 2013 with a newer label compared to the previous iteration.
Upon Sipping: A beautiful mixture of peat, ashes and fruity tones, with a medicinal touch. Does it get any more classic Laphroaig? Some peaches try to free themselves from under a smoky layer. Quite controlled, this Laphroaig 18 years old is not bursting out of the glass but rather behaves as a gentleman, or a King, since Charles III is such a fan of Laphroaig I feel we can reference him. On the palate, the more fruity elements dominate, with delightful peaches and warm vanilla cream, but the more you keep it afloat on the tongue, the more the peat teeth sink into you. And then you swallow, and it goes down like a maelstrom of sea water down the throat, with an explosive peat release. Good salinity, very warming, with the fruit surprisingly absent from the finish. With a little water we get some more lemon zest, on the nose and on the palate, where the fruity notes are also a little more pronounced. The finish now loses its kick, but gains a velvety touch with a hint of green grapes.
Word to the Wise: Well-rounded brilliance. This Laphroaig delivers everything you want from this classic Islay malt whisky. The balance is perfect. With a higher abv, this would grow even bigger in score.
Score: 90 points.