Compact nose shows sea breeze, petrol, butterscotch, and just a little smoke. The palate is where the peat explodes. To me, the Laphroaig 10 is like the inverse of the Lagavulin 16: the Lagavulin is heavy up front with peat but then dials it back in favor of other flavors, where the Laphroaig holds the peat back and then suddenly smacks you in the mouth with it. It’s not overwhelming, though. Saltwater, mint, generic melon, and new tires turn up in the mouth, too. The lingering burn makes it seem like higher than 43% ABV, and in the best possible way. It’s full, oily, and multidimensional, with a long weedy finish. Hard to ask for anything more at this price.