Laphroaig Oak Select Scotch Whisky
Laphroaig Oak Select Scotch Whisky is a 750mL Islay single malt bottled at 40% ABV (80 proof), created by marrying five cask styles — Oloroso sherry butts, Pedro Ximenez-seasoned hogsheads, first-fill bourbon casks including Quarter Casks, and Laphroaig 10 Year Old among them — with the heart of the vatting given a final maturation in new American oak, a rare step in Scotch. It carries no age statement. It is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor.
- ABV: 40% (80 proof)
- Size: 750mL
- Age: No age statement
- Casks: Oloroso sherry butts, PX hogsheads, first-fill bourbon (incl. Quarter Casks), heart finished in new American oak
- Style: Peated Islay single malt
- Origin: Islay, Scotland
Five Casks, Chosen by the Friends
Oak Select began in 2014 as "Select": distillery manager John Campbell built six candidate flavour combinations from the cask library and put them to the Friends of Laphroaig, who chose the winning style — and the name. The inspiration was Ian Hunter, the last family owner of the distillery (founded 1815), who pioneered marrying new American oak maturation with traditional European oak. The 2023 redesign renamed it Oak Select, for the casks at its centre. Browse the range on the Laphroaig vendor page or explore our Scotch whisky collection.
Tasting Notes
Per the producer: a sparkling gold colour, fully natural with no caramel added. Peat arrives first on the nose, then ripe red fruit from the PX and Oloroso casks, a hint of dryness from the American oak, and floral touches of marzipan and lime. The palate is full-bodied and sweet up front, then settles into the classic dry, peaty, ashy Laphroaig character, with a rich finish from the European casks.
How to Enjoy
Neat, it is the gentlest door into Laphroaig's peat; a few drops of water open the red-fruit side. Compare it with the 10 Year Old on the Laphroaig vendor page to taste what the extra casks do.
Frequently Asked Questions
What casks are in Laphroaig Oak Select?
Five cask styles: Oloroso sherry butts, Pedro Ximenez-seasoned hogsheads, first-fill bourbon casks including Quarter Casks, and Laphroaig 10 Year Old in the mix — with the heart of the vatting finished in new American oak.
Is Laphroaig Oak Select the same as Laphroaig Select?
Yes — the same whisky, renamed Oak Select in the brand's 2023 packaging redesign to reflect the casks' role in its flavour.
How peaty is Oak Select?
It is unmistakably Laphroaig — peat leads — but the sherry and PX cask fruit makes it the most approachable entry in the core range.
Five casks deep and peat-forward — order Laphroaig Oak Select online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.