Tastes

I just wasn't impressed. I know some people will think I am a little nuts, but I like the Glenlivet 12 a lot more. A ton of spice, fruit, and finish and I need that if I don't get my usual Islay and get a Speyside.

This is one of the best blended malts for the price. My only beef with it is that you will need to drink it fast or decant it because after some oxidation, I got some major off putting banana flavor in it. If you like bananas though, then you can take your time. All the other notes were simple but pleasant to me. Much better than famous grouse classed blends.

I am more into Islay whisky, but I kept hearing great things about this dram. It goes down well, nice and complex. It's not my wheelhouse and a bit pricey, but I hold on to a bottle as one to offer friends who have decent taste. I also get to keep them away from my Islay stash at the same time. Win-win.

This is the only Laphroaig offering that I would definitely take a complete pass on. With the price, you are much better off going for the Quarter Cask. Don't waste your time.

This one reminds me a lot of the Lagavulin 8. It's young, but has those great breakfast dram qualities. There's one problem, and a big problem with Perpetuum. It's more than double the price, and it's not worth it. If they reintroduced it at 60-65 American dollars (which will never happen) I might buy another bottle. I bought another bottle. Lol. I had to update my review from 3 stars to 4 stars. After several months, I’ve tried a lot of distilleries that try to get into the “peat” game, but most just don’t cut the mustard. Ardbeg ALWAYS follows through with a very nice balance, and the Perpetuum is no different. The smoke, citrus, chocolate, briny salt sea spray, and the meaty savory notes are just to die for. 4.0 indeed!

If someone isn't afraid of smoke or a hint of peat, this is a great starting point. Also, you can't really go wrong since it's so consistently done well.

This one has a nice, soft, spicy touch. I love the pineapple in there, and the medium finish is pretty decent. This dram gets knocked around for being average, but I tell you even as a Islay peathead, this is a solid offering. I need to get the 18 sometime for sure. It has a soft spot for personal reasons though, so maybe it's just rose-colored glasses. Either way, pour me a three fingers full glass of this one, and let me sip it neat.

I'm an Islay boy from the start, so this was a bit of a let down. I could see this being a good start for bourbon or rye drinkers to get into scotch though. I appreciate the brand and consistency as well.

If I don't want to go all the way with an Islay Laphroaig Quarter Cask, this is a great daily drinker to always have on hand. I do like it slightly better than the standard black as well.

This is it fellas, and ladies. This is the one every Islay drinker should have in their bar. It's the one that people that are "in-the-know" and have a budget, have for a daily dram. That Monkey Shoulder blend might be good, but for 10 more bucks you could be drinking this on the shore.