I know many people would disagree with me, but its quiet sophistication seemed to upstage the fireworks of the Laphroaig, especially the solvent astringent overtones that amp up the peppery liveliness a bit much for me.

But if you want this amped up a notch, see if you can get your hands on a bottle of the natural cask strength release (the one bottled at 58%, I believe). It's a nice, uncomplicated easy drinking Islay and always my fallback dram when I can't make a decision.Also sign me up for newsletters so I can get special offers, recommendations, and expert advice to my inbox!

Other people may not have all of the accolades, but there's something about them which makes you feel attracted to them for no obvious reasons. I had my first dram while watching the TV special named "Whisky: The Islay Edition" and for the first time could relate. And I've always thought Caol Ila to be one of the most underrated distilleries, too often in the shadow of its southerly neighbours. If any provision of these Terms is held invalid, the remainder of the Terms shall continue in full force and effect. The scent of Caol Ila 12 years is slightly burnt and peaty, which gives pleasure to the first smoky silt.Regardless of whether the Service offers the functionality to contribute, you are solely responsible and liable for any content and information that you create, upload, post, publish, link to, duplicate, transmit, record, display or otherwise make available on the Service or to other Members, such as chat messages, text messages, videos, audio, audio recordings, music, pictures, photographs, text and any other information or materials, whether publicly posted or privately transmitted (“Contributions”). Side by side, I tried the Caol Ila with Laphroaig 10, which I really enjoy and I was surprised that I liked the CI far more. Incidentally, I’ve had many independent bottlings of the Caol Ila but I still prefer the official 12 YO.

Bruichladdich Rocks, for example, uses peated water but does not use peat-smoke for drying the barley. A few years ago, when someone asked me what my favorite peated single malt is, Laphroaig was easily my answer.This peated malt is a great combination of great smoky and peaty notes mixed together with fresh and light fruity notes. The second surprise is that I liked it even though the bottle was freshly opened; It's not as complex and powerfull as the Laphroaig 18 or the Ardeg Ten, but I like it a lot. I find I regularly have to pour a dram, as I really enjoy its maritime flavor, so it maybe lasts a few months.