Laphroaig QC is very similar to Lap 10, but the flavor is even fuller and brighter. The first aroma on the nose is the unmistakable scent of seawater and iodine. If you venture beyond that you’ll find more delicate scents like flowers, campfire, leather, rubber-bands, and salted caramel. A few drops of water bring out even more floral aromas. Being 5% more ABV, the palate feels much stronger than Lap 10, and is dominated by heavy toffee, caramel, and black licorice. It is much sweeter than the nose leads you to believe. As the sweet toffee flavors fade, strong brine and seaweed come forward and dominate the robust oily finish. You can feel the warming sensation as the liquid pours down to your stomach. The final flavor after the brine is lighter and floral, leaving you wanting another sip. I think this scotch is a great bargain, considering the closest thing to it that I’ve tried is Lagavulin 16, which is over $30 more expensive. I consider these two to be the best peated whiskies available through normal distribution.