Laphroaig 15 (2026)

Review by: Raygun

I believe Laphroaig last released a 15 OB in 2015 for the 200th anniversary. It’s back in 2026, and now bumped up to 46%. I know Laphroaig gets a lot of love, but it’s never been my favorite on Islay. Yet I haven’t tried any of the older OBs, so my mind is open. Reviewed from a sample. Rested about 15 minutes.

Distillery: Laphroaig

Bottler: Laphroaig  

Region/style: Islay single malt Scotch

ABV: 46%

Age: 15 years old. Bottled in 2026.       

Cask type: Bourbon barrels

Color: 1.0 deep copper. Natural color and non-chill-filtered.

NoNose: Very Laphroaig, yet a little more refined than the 10. Plenty of the hospital disinfectant smell, smoldering seaweed, and brine. Also some vanilla and grapefruit. Noticeable oak.                    

Palate: That packs a punch. Wow. Brasher than I expected. There’s still vanilla and citrus, but this is more about the intense peat. Smoky and briny like a beach bonfire. Has a little bit of peach as well. With time, pastry cream comes though.  

Finish: Even more smoke and ash. Someone’s tossed a bunch of seaweed on this beach bonfire. A little of the peach and grapefruit pokes out if you look for it. Good length. 

Conclusion: Very on brand for Laphroaig. Makes for a nice pour as it’s getting cooler in the evenings now. I think fans of the distillery will be pleased with it. Plenty of intense peat to it, and also a sweeter side with the pastry cream. It won’t compare to the 10CS for power, but it’s a good drink on its own merits.

Score: 81

Scoring Legend:

  • 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky. (Convalmore 36)
  • 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category. (Bruichladdich Black Art 4.1)
  • 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram. (Ledaig 13 Amontillado)
  • 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff. (Tomatin 18)
  • 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting. (Glen Scotia 15)
  • 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better. (Aultmore 12)
  • 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink. (Glenmorangie 10)
  • 50-59: Save it for mixing. (Old Pulteney 12)
  • 0-49: Blech. (Muirhead’s Silver Seal 16)

Published by Raygun

Unknown's avatar

I drank Scotch occasionally (mostly at family gatherings) for years, but started getting more interested after an introduction and tasting from a Scottish acquaintance. That led to buying my first bottle (Highland Park 12). Now 600+ spirits later, Scotch is still my first love, but I drink other whisky and dabble in brandy as well.

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