So, let's get this out of the way: I like this better than Lagavulin 16. It's younger than it's cousin but has a way stronger front end, heavy in peat, brine, salt, and sweet oak and apple notes. While it may not be as complex or deep as the 16yo, this is a very different scotch that draws it's strength from the quality of the spirit itself rather than it's time in the cask. Mad props to Lagavulin for putting this out there with an age statement too. The closest scotches to this IMO are Ardbeg 10 and Laphroaig QC. All three are comparable in price and availability for me. Right now I prefer the Laga 8 out of the three though. I plan to always keep a bottle on hand at this point.