Laphroaig whisky is one of the most popular Scotch whiskies and is a favourite of those who enjoy a smoky aroma and flavour.
Table of Contents
- What is Laphroaig
- How to pronounce Laphroaig
- What does Laphroaig mean
- What does Laphroaig whisky taste like
- How many calories are in Laphroaig whisky
- How much does Laphroaig whisky cost
- How to drink Laphroaig whisky
What is Laphroaig
Laphroaig distillery is an Islay single malt Scotch whisky distillery. It is located 1.5 miles east of Port Ellen.
Islay Scotch (or Islay whisky) is Scotch whisky produced in Islay (pronounced as “ai-luh”) which is the southernmost island off the west coast of Scotland.
Laphroaig distillery was founded in 1815 by two brothers Donald and Alexander Johnston, and is currently owned by Beam Suntory (a multinational company) which owns multiple well known brands in the alcohol industry such as Jim Beam, Sauza, Courvoisier, and more.
How to pronounce Laphroaig
Laphroaig is pronounced as “la-froyg” (transcription: ləˈfrɔɪɡ).
What does Laphroaig mean
The meaning of Laphroaig with certainty is unknown, however there is a common etymology for the toponym.
The first suggested explanation:
The suggested etymological elements of Laphroaig include Gaelic and Norse words:
| Language | Original Word | English Translation |
| Gaelic | lag | hollow |
| Norse | breid | breadth |
| Norse | vik | bay |
which combined implies something like “the hollow of broad bay”.
The second suggested explanation:
The name is related to the geographical location of the Laphroaig distillery close to the “Pròaig” bay (meaning “broad bay” in Gaelic) in the south east of Islay, which again implies something like “the broad bay”.
What does Laphroaig whisky taste like
Laphroaig whisky if famously known for it’s distinctive peaty smell and taste.
It is made from cold smoked malt which is dried over a peat fire, which creates the iconic taste.
Peat (also known as turf) in its raw form is quite odorless, however it’s burnt it produces the smoky smell which is absorbed by the drying malt used to produce Laphroaig whisky.
How many calories are in Laphroaig whisky
The calories in 1oz of Laphroaig differ based on the type, but it’s generally between 55-60 calories.
| Bottle | Calories (1oz) |
| Laphroaig 10 Year Old | 55.3 |
| Laphroaig Quarter Cask | 56 |
| Laphroaig Triple Wood | 56 |
| Laphroaig 25 Year Old | 56 |
| Laphroaig Lore | 56 |
How much does Laphroaig whisky cost
The distillery prices of Laphroaig whisky in 2022 vary between $35 and $385 depending on the bottle.
The cheapest (available) bottle of Laphroaig is “Laphroaig Select” which currently sells for €33.90 (excluding VAT) on the official website.
The most expensive (available) bottle of Laphroaig is “Laphroaig 25” which currently sells for €462.46 (excluding VAT) on the official website.
The distillery prices of Laphroaig are currently (in 2022):
| Bottle | Approximate Price in USD (excl. VAT) |
| Laphroaig Select | $28 |
| Laphroaig Quarter Cask | $39 |
| Laphroaig 10 | $71 |
| Laphroaig Lore | $65 |
| Laphroaig 25 | $385 |
As the currency exchange rate fluctuates, the price range can shift.
The availability and prices of Laphroaig whisky differ a lot by country.
Laphroaig whisky prices in USA (2022)
| Bottle | wine.com | The Whisky Exchange |
| Laphroaig Select | $51.99 | $32.44 |
| Laphroaig Quarter Cask | $72.99 | $41.16 |
| Laphroaig 10 | $64.99 | $71.71 |
| Laphroaig Lore | $134.99 | $65.89 |
| Laphroaig 25 | NA | $581.80 |
Laphroaig whisky prices in Canada (2022)
| Bottle | Ontario (LCBO) | Quebec (SAQ) | Alberta (ZYN.CA) | British Columbia (BL Liquor) |
| Laphroaig Select | $69.95 | $71.25 | $68 | $59.99 |
| Laphroaig Quarter Cask | $97.95 | $92.50 | $72 | $91.99 |
| Laphroaig 10 | $87.95 | $87.25 | $69 | $79.99 |
| Laphroaig Lore | NA | $199.25 | $181 | $199.99 |
| Laphroaig 25 | NA | $660.25 | $633 | NA |
How to drink Laphroaig whisky
Laphroaig whisky has a very bold smoky taste and in order to experience the full flavour and aroma it is suggested to drink it neat or with ice (on the rocks).
Different bottles of Laphroaig whisky have different finish and maturation, but if you are a whisky cocktail lover, I suggest using Laphroaig Select for your drinks.
The general serving suggestion from Laphroaig distillery:
| Bottle | How to serve |
| Laphroaig Select | Neat or with ice or penicillin |
| Laphroaig Quarter Cask | Neat or with ice |
| Laphroaig 10 | Neat or with ice |
| Laphroaig Lore | Neat or with ice |
| Laphroaig 25 | Neat or with ice |
Experimenting with Laphroaig whisky in your cocktails can be a quite expensive hobby and it might take a while to get the ingredients proportion to perfection.
Some cocktails I suggest trying with Laphroaig whisky:
- Laphroaig Old Fashioned
- Penicillin
