Laphroaig Cairdeas 2017 Cask Strength Quarter Cask may be the first Cairdeas line that actually disappoints. The regular Quarter Cask Laphroaig was actually my entry point into peated scotches and, as such, has been a perennial favorite, an old friend. I've had the dram numerous times and, naturally, had high expectations for the cask strength variation. Nose is meringue with soft vanilla, restrained peat, heather, Bisquick, and tapioca. Overall, it isn't all that eventful. The palate steps up: moderate brine, campfire smoke, seaweed, citrus cleaner, and a fading hospital rubber on the finish which sticks to the smoke and brine. There is a bit of ash and it is, indeed, quite smooth. However, the flavor complexity just isn't there. Nor does the finish linger for days like the regular Quarter Cask. Addition of water doesn't open it up much either. It somehow, strangely, has less pizzazz than the bottling that has been cut!