Laphroaig Quarter Casks Review: Medicinal, but very Lively

Sunday, 19 October 2025 at 12:01

The packaging catches the eye with ‘The lively one’. Laphroaig has given its intense Islay spirit a unique maturation, presumed to produce the most lively whisky so far. Discover how it tastes in this Laphroaig Quarter Casks Whisky Review.

FAQ

Where is Laphroaig Distillery located?
On the Scottish whisky island of Islay.
What is the typical characteristic of Laphroaig whisky?
A medicinal peat flavour and aroma.
What type of whisky does Laphroaig make?
Peated single malt whisky.

Laphroaig whiskies have an unmistakable character that whisky lovers can immediately detect, even among a line-up of ten drams. The distillery often incorporates medicinal notes into its whisky, having a reminiscent taste of iodine and bandages with a clear coastal influence.

What would happen if you took the distillery's recipe and chose smaller casks instead of 700 litre barrels? That's the twist the Scottish distillery decided to make with the Laphroaig Cask Collection Quarter Casks whisky.

For this expression, the distillery opted for a double maturation. Initially in ex-bourbon barrels for a gentle character, followed by a second round in American oak quarter casks. These smaller casks provide a lot more wood contact, thereby altering the character of the maturing spirit.

That's not all, as the distillery chose to 'barrier filter' the whisky to retain the drink's character. The result is a whisky containing maximum smokiness, peat, wood and sweetness in a velvety-smooth drink.

See, Smell, Taste

Country	Scotland
Distillery	Laphroaig
Type of whisky	Single Malt
Colour	Gold
Nose	Smouldering peat with aromas of coconut and banana.
Palate	Deep, complex and smokey with a soft sweetness.
Finish	Long and dry with smoke and spices.
Age	No age indication
Alcohol percentage	48%
Bottle content	70 cl
Price	Around 55 euros

A green bottle for a reason

The bottle Laphroaig uses for bottling the whisky is, like almost all other Laphroaig whisky bottles, green in colour. The bottle is not just nearly iconic for the Islay distillery, but also serves a function.

The green colour helps to maintain the whisky's character. The glass filters UV light and ensures the whisky is not exposed to direct sunlight, preserving the peatiness in its taste.

So, green is an important colour for Laphroaig, while it also contrasts nicely with the white label and the light wooden cap on the bottle.

A smoke bomb with depth

Time to pour the whisky. The golden liquid instantly gives away its characteristic smoky character during the pour. The whisky produces nice thick tears on the glass that hint at a delightfully creamy whisky.

On the nose, you get an initial light whiff of citrus. This is followed by a big cloud of typical Laphroaig smoke.

Tones of salty seaweed, bandages and iodine take turns, only to be complemented later by a sweeter tone of warm honey and overripe banana. This depth will keep you captivated by the scent after the first wave of smoke, inviting you to discover ever more.

Eventually, tasting must occur and the Laphroaig Quarter Casks whisky doesn't disappoint lovers of smokiness. The whisky lays a kind of smoky carpet over your tongue before the palate is tickled with sweet-sour peat smoke.

It's an explosion of taste in your mouth that puts all your senses on high alert. Think of sweet fruit, lukewarm coffee with milk, iodine and an oily taste coming together. It's not overly peppery on your tongue, and the same is true for the finish.

Finally, traces of clove, caramel sea salt candy, Milka chocolate, some oak tones and a slight bitterness emerge. The smoke lingers long after swallowing the dram. This is quite intense and not a dram for those looking to avoid smokiness.

Conclusion of Laphroaig Quarter Casks Whisky Review

Laphroaig has very clearly labelled this bottle as a lively whisky, and that's no exaggeration. As soon as you pop the cork, the whisky politely says 'hello' with a note of peat, then releases a cloud of peat smoke adorned with a variety of flavours.

The classic medicinal Laphroaig flavour is key, surrounded by a multitude of sweet and slightly bitter notes in a complex composition. This whisky is one to savour if you're a fan of smokiness.

+ Classic Laphroaig character distinctively recognizable

+ A smoke bomb, but balanced

+ A beautifully complete medley of flavours

- The distinct medicinal notes aren't for everyone