Laphroaig 10 Year Old / Bot.1990s / Pre Royal Warrant Islay Whisky

Luna Chavez — A piece of whisky history

9/10

Getting hold of a pre-Royal Warrant Laphroaig 10 is something I never thought I'd manage. The peat is there but it's rounder and more medicinal than modern bottlings, with this gorgeous iodine and seaweed character that just doesn't quit. At £900 it's not cheap, but for a 1990s bottle in this condition, I'd say it's actually fair. I sipped this one neat over the course of an evening and savoured every drop.

Priya Sharma — A piece of whisky history

9/10

Getting hold of a pre-Royal Warrant Laphroaig 10 is something I never thought I'd manage. The peat is there but it's rounder and more medicinal than modern bottlings, with this gorgeous iodine and seaweed character that just doesn't quit. At £900 it's not cheap, but for a 1990s bottle in this condition, I'd say it's actually fair. I sipped this one neat over the course of an evening and savoured every drop.

Gianluca Ferro — A piece of whisky history

9/10

Getting hold of a pre-Royal Warrant Laphroaig 10 is something I never thought I'd manage. The peat is there but it's rounder and more medicinal than modern bottlings, with this gorgeous iodine and seaweed character that just doesn't quit. At £900 it's not cheap, but for a 1990s bottle in this condition, I'd say it's actually fair. I sipped this one neat over the course of an evening and savoured every drop.

Tyler Bennet — Old school Islay at its finest

8/10

Compared to the current 10, this pre-Royal Warrant bottling has noticeably more depth. There's a tarry, rope-like smokiness alongside the classic Laphroaig bandage and campfire notes. At 43% it drinks beautifully neat without needing any water. Hard to justify the price tag for an everyday dram, but as a collector's pour it's spot on.

Clara Johansson — Old school Islay at its finest

8/10

Compared to the current 10, this pre-Royal Warrant bottling has noticeably more depth. There's a tarry, rope-like smokiness alongside the classic Laphroaig bandage and campfire notes. At 43% it drinks beautifully neat without needing any water. Hard to justify the price tag for an everyday dram, but as a collector's pour it's spot on.