You are looking at The Laphroaig select has divided opinions as it is apparently a detour from the legendary Laphroaig’s usual approach to rather peaty expressions (as is to be expected for most stuff coming out of Islay). Some are saying that this could be a way to introduce people to the wondrous heated whiskies of this windswept island. Others (perhaps the purists?) are saying that it’s not characteristic enough. I guess you have to try it for yourself and come to your own conclusions. Laphroaig’s never let me down yet!
Anyway, Select gets its name from the unusual ’selection’ of casks involved in its creation. They trailed a whole bunch of new combinations, inspired by the travels of Ian Hunter, who was the last family member to run the distillery (presumably they’re now owned by a conglomerate). Ian also got Laphroaig to start using Bourbon casks – which you could say ‘modernised’ their raging style. The name and eventual taste profile was chosen by the Friends Of Laphroaig (I imagine some tastings and voting was involved)