Comparing it to the 10 year, this expression has everything you want in a laphroaig if all of the middle notes were turned up. The traditional notes of salt, iodine, and brine are present. However, turned down to bring out more wood spice, pepper, oak, and peat smoke. The wood spice lingers and eventually gives way to a lingering saltiness. On the nose we find smoke and the salty sea. But upon further digging, hints of peanut and caramel, brown sugar and vanilla, as well as a touch of eucalyptus. Where as the 10 year old is spiked and punchy in flavor, this feels more reserved and complex. Not looking for a fight, but more of a conversation. Quite possibly, it ultimate expression of laphroaig. Any fan of Islay, would be remiss to not give this a try