Finally Tried a Couple Single Malts..Whats Next?
 

So I finally got to try a couple single malts. I had a laphroaig 10 yr and macallan 12. Now, I did like the smoke/peat flavor of the laphroaig but the 10 year wasn't as smooth as I'd like it to be. The macallan was great, I usually have to drop a few cubes in my whiskey and this was the first one I've never had to do that with. I'm going to grab a bottle of the macallan, but my question is about the islay malts. From what I've read laphroaig, lagavulin, and caol ila all have the same peaty/smoky flavor. At almost $100 the lagavulin is out right now, so my choice is between the laphroaig 10 yr and caol ila 12 year, I've found both at local liquor stores and they are both about the same price...does either one stand out against the other??

Laphroaig 10 year
 

My vote is for the Laphroaig 10 year! Caol Ila has a lightly sweet, salty, (medicinal?) taste. I do enjoy it, but prefer Laphroaig - it has the sweet, salt taste too, but is much more peatier.

I've only tried Cao Ila once at a restaurant, but I wasn't blown away. I actually was a bit disappointed, but I know quite a few really enjoy it, so maybe my experience isn't typical.

However, I find Laphroaig to be completely engaging, I've never once had Laphroaig and not been completely blown away the entire time I was enjoying it. Sight, smell, flavor, it completely engages all the senses. It's by far my favorite Islay, and one of my favorites all around.

That said, typically I see Cao Isla going for about $15-$25 more per bottle than I see Laphroaig, so either it's a smashing deal for the Cao Ila, or the Laphroaig is priced a bit high. If it's a great deal on the Cao Ila, that might be a factor.

I have to agree with your description of Laphroaig. It has a distinct flavor. Although I have a friend I introduced to fine whisky, he does not like it whereas he can enjoy most others.

I just read about Ardbeg now, so I will have to try that as well!!

It definately is a polarizing Whisky, that's for sure. I've never had anyone that I've shared mine with say anything other than they absolutely loved it, or it was the most offensive thing they've ever tasted :D

Laphroaig
 

I would look around on the forum for reputable online dealers, I've seen Laphroaig 15 and Lagavulin 16 online for 60$ or so.

In my opinion the Laphroaig 15 is a very noticeable step up from the 10.

Anyone have any good experiences with dealers online?