Laphroaig 10 40abv ?!?!?!

[charlano]

I have bought a Laphroaig 10 recently at a US duty free store on my way back to Canada but I was quite surprised to see that it was actually 40abv instead of the regular 43abv that I was used to. I know that the bottling is pretty new since the pamphlet inside the cylinder shows the new Laphroaig 18 and not the 15.

Is that the new bottling strength of the Laphroaig 10 ?

[The Third Dram]

Is that the new bottling strength of the Laphroaig 10?

No. A 40%ABV version of the standard Laphroaig 10 Year Old has existed for many years.

[Ganga]

As I recall, the 40% was standard in most places, including Canada, except the US. I'll check next time out on what the stocks are in the stores around here.

[charlano]

Thanks for your answers, that is really appreciated

Last time I bought it at 43abv was in NH last summer, but that one (at 40abv) was in a duty free store (DFA) in a 1 liter format.

Now the question that I have is how can a company sell a product under the same name, but not having the same abv ?

Is there a huge difference between the 43abv and the 40abv expression ?

[The Third Dram]

1. Now the question that I have is how can a company sell a product under the same name, but not having the same abv?
2. Is there a huge difference between the 43abv and the 40abv expression?

1. Easily, depending on the particular market or distribution network. This scenario is not at all an uncommon one.
2. I can't personally say, as I've never tasted the 43%ABV 10YO. However, I DO generally prefer the slightly higher proof incarnations of any malt when that option is available.

That said, there's nothing wrong with the 40%ABV Laphroaig 10YO. And recent issues appear to be back to their Islay 'best' (there WAS some inconsistency apparent years ago).

[upright]

A friend bought a 1l 10 yo at an airport somewhere and it is really good, i havnt checked the abv yet, but i will do that over the weekend.

[lockejn]

The regular NH liquor stores only sell the 43% version (750ml). This has been the case for at least the last 12 months.

[charlano]

Thanks to all for your answers. I'll try to keep a sample of that 43% expression to compare with the 40%. It will probably have some differences, since the 43% would have been opened for a while.

[jplu2]

The bottles I buy in South Africa are all 750ml and 43% compared to the one's I get form the UK which are 40%

Not sure why?

[upright]

Welcome to the forum. I am not the only one from South africa after all.

[Swedish Chef]

The bottles I've bought in Germany and Sweden - both 700ml and 1l ones - over the last two years have all been 40%.

[wpmspaninks]

Try the Quarter Cask (48 o/o) and you forget your troubles about a few o/o.

[Lawrence]

The ABV is generally determined by taxation where it is going to be sold, the higher the tax the lower the ABV. The USA has 43% as you've all commented on and Canada had 40% in normal retail outlets and has 40% in duty free.

The 43% is better and it's noticable when compared to the 40% (which I have done). Now if they would only bottle at 46% and non chill filter or colour then it would be amazing.......

[Ganga]

Excellent observations Lawrence. It would be ideal to have UCF, 46% and no colo(u)ring.

[Wave]

They do Ganga it's called Cask Strength!


Cheers!

[upright]

haha. And what a good whisky it is!

[charlano]

Never tasted the CS yet. Never found it anywhere in Quebec or duty free.

[Lawrence]

The Laphroaig Cask Strength is available int he US and Europe mostly (I don't know about Asia but suspect it's there also).

The newest version features a batch number and is also very good. If you every travel to the US keep and eye out for it or put the strong arm on a relative/friend who is travelling to the US to pick it up for you.

I often order from Binny's or one of the California stores and ship to who ever has been kind enough to bring a bottle of what ever back for me.

I have a steady stream...