Well broke down and bought a bottle of Laphroaig 15 today. I went to the store wanting Lagavulin 16 but left with Laphroaig 15. They let me taste Bowmore 15, Lagavulin 16, and the entry level Ardbeg. I made the mistake of tasting the Ardbeg first. VERY peaty and I loved it. After the Ardbeg I tried the Lagavulin...tasted like it had no flavor next to the Ardbeg. The Bowmore was pretty good but for some reason I really liked the Ardbeg. I used to not like the Islay malts but I have been drinking Scotch neat lately and I guess my palate is getting tougher. .

The Laphroaig 15 is VERY good. Nice and smokey with a hint of sweetness and finishes wood dry and long. I don't like the 10 due to the heavy Iodine taste. The 15 barely has the iodine/medicine taste at all.

My next bottle will be either Lagavulin 16 or the Ardbeg. They both deserve a shot.