LAPHROAIG 15 CHIEFTAIN’S The received wisdom about introducing young folk into appreciation of whiskey is to start them off on blends and then let graduate to single malts. When they are old enough to enjoy this transition you let them in gently starting with the lowlands and slowly let them graduate to Islays. Never let a young person near a Laphroaig as it will put them off whiskey for good. ALL WRONG Most blends are hardly worth buying unless you just want to get pissed but there are many fine blends that should be enjoyed for their quality. Most but not all single malts are more complex and worth lingering over and also enjoyed for their quality often alone in front of a fire. Some Islays are easy on the palate in spite of their peatiness (although there are fine unpeated Islays) and should not be judged by Laphroaig 12 This brings me on to LAPHROAIG 15 CHIEFTAIN’S. It is dark and it smells like an delicate variety of Islay, more like an Ardbeg. Although 45% alcohol it is soft and smooth on the tongue. It is complex but not like medicinal iodine, more like the taste of BBQ sauce, rich and tasty. That however is the immediate effect it then has a long apres gout that tastes more of salted caramel. You could start anyone off on the magical whiskey trail of life with this one but I’d keep quiet if I was you as there will too little left for old codgers like me.