@Clarkebar and seeing the average score here is above 3.5, I’m the outlier. Oh well—-proves taste is individualistic

@PBMichiganWolverine Definitely agree although I am less concerned about the technicalities of these approaches by so many of the old hand distilleries so long as the product delivered is seen as a sincere offering and not a rip-off. A long winded way of writing it needs to taste good.

@Clarkebar I admit...that first pour from a fresh bottle of this was a beating. It became much better and I started to like it. But...I’m still pissed at Ardbeg for the overall strategy of increasing prices on the 10, and offering this as the replacement at a bit lower price.

@PBMichiganWolverine - you have outdone yourself with this one! I kinda felt that way with my first taste of Laphroaig 10, but then I realized that the problem was me and so quickly apologized to the bottle.

@dubz480 oh no. And I just packed a sample for you, along with JW Brora ghost and rare, and knob creek 15. Oh well...use it as a base for more peated bourbon.

@LeeEvolved you’re so right. This was a strategic move by Ardbeg to pull wool over our eyes and say “ hey look here ...affordable 5 yr Ardbeg!! “ when in fact they’ve increased prices on their core lineup.

@PBMichiganWolverine agreed!!

So, this sounds like the perfect case for turning it into an NAS: blend in some 10yo at 25-30%, drop the crappy age statement, bump the price $7-8 a bottle and you’d probably have a far superior product. Call it Wee More Beastie... Did I just do John Glaser and Richard Paterson’s job equivalent?

@Ctrexman I saw it at Total Wine. They must have just got it in, because it wasn’t there on Saturday last week.

@WhiskeyLonghorn where did you see it for 35 I wanna pick some up too

@jonwilkinson7309 I couldn't take it either... @PBMichiganWolverine I ended up using it as a base for my Peated Bourbon Blend..

I saw this for $35 yesterday. Might have to take that plunge, warts and all.

I'm still looking forward to it. Sometimes, we all need a good beat down.

@Whiskey_Hound just sent —

@PBMichiganWolverine Great! Shoot me an email at [email protected]

@PBMichiganWolverine - this sounds right up my alley. Any diesel fuel notes to report? :)

@BDanner You can do a lot worse than Smokehead for your Smoke & Coke. Don't believe the "expert" comments and rating of 69 it was given here. It's a young Caol Ila in cheesy livery but perfectly acceptable for mixing. I rated both Laphroaig Select and Smokehead at 2.5 stars.

@Soba45 @cascode @whiskeyhound @BDanner @Richard-ModernDrinking okay—so I stand corrected...I had a pour today with a generous helping of ice. So much better with some ice in it. Brings out more complex citrus, and tames the peat

@BDanner check out Ardmore Legacy for your smoke and coke mixer...it may do the trick

@Whiskey_Hound yeah, absolutely—-I can send over a pour. I step out once a week for errands—-so, should get it out next saturday.

Sounds like you were on the wrong of a nice ground and pound. If you’ve had enough, I’d tag you out and gladly accept a sample. Nice review as always. Bummer to hear this one didn’t deliver. The idea of a 5 year old single malt being good was very intriguing

@cascode this makes me think the 5 will substitute the 10 in price, while the 10 will now climb much higher

@BDanner Wow! That’s crazy. Laphroaig 10 is around US$40-50 here. @PBMichiganWolverine so it’s sounding like it will be around the same price as the 10, maybe a tad less here. Somewhere like $75-90. We’ll see.

@cascode here in NJ, it’s about $45. Same price as 5yr Wee Beastie. Between the two, it’s a no-brained to have the 10

@cascode Ardbeg 10 is $54, but Lap10 (which was also $54) just took a jump to $70 (tariffs, I assume). I predict the same for the Ardbeg.

@BDanner How much is Ardbeg 10? We pay around $85 which is US$55.

@RLDN106 Now that tariffs have bumped Lap Select up to $50, I’m on the lookout for a new Smoke & Coke mixer.

@cascode I’m in a control state (which sets pricing based on MSRP plus a few dollars) and they have it listed in the system at $45 but no inventory yet.

@cascode Ardbeg 10 price is a bit high for this. Hopefully should be 50-30% less

@PBMichiganWolverine US$40 isn't so bad. I've seen nothing at all about pricing or availability over here but if it is core range we'll get it for sure. I'd guess it will end up around AUS$80-100 which is the Ardbeg 10 ballpark as well. I'll give it a shot at that price.

Sound painful, but at that price point it’s very intriguing. Worst case smoke n cokes? :)

@PBMichiganWolverine That sounds very intriguing. Let me know how to make it happen. Glad to send you something you might not have in return.

@BDanner and if you’re interested in a sample before buying —let me know. Would be glad to send one over. Sans leather attire and madam.

50 shades of Ardbeg...

I've always wished that those High School/Middle School fights were like the ones in the movies. One punch and the scrappy little lad goes down and the mob disperses while our game little hero swipes at a small trickle of blood from his nose. His nerdy little friends helping him up and handing him his bent (or broken right in the middle horn rimmed) glasses. That was never the case. However, a whiskey review that can manage to work in both a youthful school yard tussle and leather ass-less chaps has piqued my interest enough that I'll gladly throw down $40 to try it. I know I didn't like a whipping in the school yard, but I've never tried the kind of whipping that involves leather and a Madame. That kind I might like. Who knows?

@Scott_E yeah, I was intrigued as well, so took the plunge, especially considering the price and free local delivery. Given its price, there really isn’t an equivalent in the market. So a 5 yr Islay at $40 is a class by its own.

@Ctrexman ...and at a very affordable price

@cascode it’s worth a try —not sure a full bottle is justified, in my opinion. But price is unbeatable at $40

@PBMichiganWolverine I had a feeling this would be like a UFC equivalent. But I guess one knows that going in by it’s age. I am intrigued however.

@cascode what surprised me is that an Octomore is just as young, but way more complex. Then again... 3x-4x the price

If I see it Ill take the beating.......Pass on the HepC from Pam though.....great review

What a pity - I had been anticipating this one but now I think I'll give it a miss.

@divenpuff i find that as I get older, I need more than just one dimensional pour. It’s like dating Pamela Andersen for short term, or married to Amal Clooney. In my older years, I’d take Amal any day.

Wish all reviews were this elaborate. I could have saved a lot of money!

@WhiskeyLonghorn the 10 is a classic. Great balance and strength. This was all strength

@Richard-ModernDrinking who knows...the avg score is about 4. So...maybe I’m the outlier.

Oh dear, that’s a shame. I was quite looking forward to this one.

I am curious what this one tastes like. Finally got around to the ten, which I find to be balanced and delightful.