I tried the Quarter Cask with a skepticism that rarely inhabits my mind when I'm about to taste a Laphroaig. But the idea of shorter aging in smaller casks, a trick that has had limited success in the micro-distillery movement in the US, had me doubtful this could live up to (much less challenge) its older brother, Laphroaig 10. I never should have doubted you, John Campbell! The nose is immediately captivating, with a buttery, toasted take on the classic distillery character. The seaweed or brine characteristic seemed much diminished to me, which is neither a clear positive or a negative, just a different facet of Laphroaig. The peat is warmer, more of a mild stove searing a fish filet rather than a crackling, wild campfire. The palate and finish introduce more oak to the Laphroaig profile, so there's a bit of a tannic or pepper characteristic. Layered over that is walnut butter, and layered over that is a warm but completely integrated smoke that's somehow both mellow and lively. Being bottled at 48% is to this dram's benefit, as the flavors are strong and mask any youth, particularly by lengthening the finish. The finish doesn't shake you out of your seat, the way other Laphroaigs can, but I like its oakier nature. Could I tell this was younger if tasting it blind? Honestly, probably not. This may be a better any day, every day dram than the 10 -- and to be clear, I revere the 10, so that's saying something.