ORIGINAL REVIEW (1/9/16): My first sips of this really overwhelmed my palate: heavy medicinal and leathery tastes were kind of off-putting, but I'm really new to the scene and wasn't prepared for this big, peat bomb. I've went back and visited it over the last week or so and its starting to grow on me. Coming from the craft beer scene I really dig lots and lots of flavor in anything alcoholic that I drink. I hope this one comes around for me and I think, eventually, it will. UPDATED REVIEW (3/12/17): So, I'm revisiting this bottle as part of the Scotland Distillery Trade group that I'm part of. This is the second time I purchased this bottle simply because of my love of Laphroiag. This triple cask matured whisky comes in at 48% ABV, is non chill filtered and has no color added. This bottle routinely runs just shy of $70 here in Virginia. The nose is all Laphroiag smoke, band aid and oak. Lots and lots of wood on the nose. It almost overshadows the smokiness. On the tongue, it's still loaded with peat, campfire ash and smoke there's just a ton of wood cask notes. The pepper spice really sizzles on the top of the tongue and rides the wave into the slightly harsh finish. Imagine sliding a piece of fresh cut oak back and forth across your tongue and then setting it on fire. It's very powerful. I'm not totally opposed to this flavor, but the sensation is a bit off putting. The finish is oily and thick like most Laphroaigs. Overall, this definitely isn't my favorite Laphroiag but I could still drink this when I really want an Islay scotch that's all up in my business. You really need to be in the mood for this one to work. 3.5 stars. Cheers, my friends