Whisky Forum - Laphroaig 10 vs quarter cask

griffin79 · Member Joined: 23 May 2018 Posts: 12

I recently purchased a bottle of laphroaig 10 and a bottle of the quarter cask and really can't decide between. The QC is bottled at 48% which definitely adds some extra oomph but laphroaig 10 is never going to be lacking in this area anyway. The trademark iodine and tcp are more pronounced in the 10 but the QC adds a peppery heat which I really like. Both have layers of brine, seaweed and sweetness but these are balanced differently. I literally can't pick between them!

ralfy legend · Posted: Sat Nov 30, 2019 1:41 pm Post subject:

Only had the 10 but I have been told by friends to try the Q C as it's better, so I'm really looking forward to seeing how this post goes.

Alexppp · Master Of Malts Joined: 16 Jul 2010 Posts: 1791

The Laphroaig 10 has the potential to be a spectacular whisky but is let down by the low strength. The Quarter Cask is better in that regard but its flavour profile is actually a bit softer than the 10's. In the past, the 10 used to be available at 43% in travel retail and it made a real difference. I only realised it when my dad had saved an old bottle, which was miles better than the new versions at 40%.

Luckily, there is a solution: if you can find it, the Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength (any batch) is the embodiment of everything Laphroaig should be. Some Laphroaigs (Select, anyone?) make a mockery of the labels' claim that it's 'the most richly flavoured of all Scotch whiskies', but the 10 year old Cask Strength certainly lives up to that claim.

asmazda · Member Joined: 03 Apr 2018 Posts: 15

I think the quarter cask is better.... tastes more complex to me and I donâ€™t mind itâ€™s not over the top with iodine. The cask size of the quarter cask accelerates aging hence the more complex taste without big price tag.

arqueturus · Master Of Malts Joined: 31 Jul 2016 Posts: 262

I much prefer the QC - Perhaps it's pure down to the higher ABV but I tend to find that Peated Whiskies really benefit from youth - I think the QC is sub 8 year old, maybe even as young as 5 and it's all the more for it.

Quaich1 · Posted: Sat Nov 30, 2019 5:48 pm Post subject:

I would give the nod ahead to the Quarter Cask. Cheers.
_________________
"Always carry a large flagon of whisky in case of snakebite and furthermore always carry a small snake."
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BigShing · Master Of Malts Joined: 21 Feb 2019 Posts: 283

Basically the Quarter Cask is sweeter and punchier and just friendlier, the 10yr is more complex, but as Alex says the 40% bottling level really restricts it imo.

MattS · Master Of Malts Joined: 23 Apr 2018 Posts: 529

I've only got the 10 but has anyone home blended the 10 with the QC?