Laphroaig 10 Year Old Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky (750ml) (Previously $50)

This expression offers an uncompromising note of brine-laden peat and iodine, with charcoal and sweeter fruit notes also present. The palate is equally out there, with old-fashioned fabric Band-Aids, bladderwrack seaweed, black pepper, smoldering peat, vanilla, caramel, and sweet oak. The finish is as big as everything else, with barbecue, iodine, and asphalt. Still a classic! (GS, Fall 2018)

Look for a distinctly peaty aroma, with hints of smoked fish, bacon and mesquite. The palate shows peat smoke from the first sip plus an undercurrent of honey, finishing with black pepper heat. Water brings out a spearmint note and a touch more vanilla. (KN) (12/2017)

This 10 year old malt epitomizes the taste of Islay; rich, smoky and peaty. Known as "the most richly flavored of all Scotch whiskies," Laphroaig is widely considered one of the finest distilleries in the world. The fact that they've held that distinction for two hundred years is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Laphroaig continues to maintain an on-site malting operation, which accounts for a small but significant chunk of the barley that they distill. Fermentation is conducted precisely in steel before distillation using a complex seven still system. The spirit is almost always filled into ex-bourbon barrels. The resulting whisky is one of the world's great marvels; the confluence of nature's bounty and human ingenuity. You may not like the way this whisky tastes, but you sure won't ever forget it. If you do accept the siren's call to this hollow by the bay, there's fortunately no going back.