Yes this is Laphroaig from note to finish. What makes this whiskey so awesome is that you don't lose the peat smoke's vitality like you do in today's whiskys. Most Islay's the longer the age the more the peat mellows on this whisky however there isn't as much difference. Why? Well, because this is OLD Laphroaig not today's Laphroaig. It's like finding a dusty from the 60-80's or Buffalo trace finding old Stitzel/weller juice lying around. This 16 year is the last year of old school distillate before the Suntory/Beam merger that created a more corporate appeal to the masses approach think why Select, Trip. wood and PX cask finishing came to be trying to mask the medicinal notes and smoke. The phenols on this whisky scream Ardbeg. Heavy, dense, earthy (as opposed to normal medicinal) peat smoke, bacon, vanilla, citrus, pear hidden away in the back. Taste is peat smoke, the fruit/pear note, vanilla cream, honey sweetness, lemon and burnt orange citrus and then barrel spice and a touch of char from 16 years locked away showing up. Finish is long with the smoke staying around the longest but no where near the length or strength of a fresh 10 year old. The citrus, barrel notes also linger on with the honey sweetness hanging around faintly in the background. To get some of the last pre merger whisky have it bottled at a really nice 16 year age statement, and not be break the bank expensive at the cost of NAS Lore this is a WIN WIN WIN if you love peaty/smokey Islay scotches.