This was somewhat difficult to lay hands on, but I really wanted to try it because I love the travel retail Port finished Brodir so much. So how does this matchup, and was it worth the wait? Because considering I'd have to fly to Europe to get a crack at it, I'm not getting my hands on a Brodir anytime soon. On the nose, this 2020 Cairdeas is pretty restrained. I get a little of Laphroaig's famous band aid peat, but it is a bit subdued and there are red fruit and wine notes lingering at the edges. Very nice, but not the sticky plum bomb that I remember from the Brodir. Oily on the palate, where the peat really comes forward and you taste the proof a bit. The same red fruit and wine notes continue to linger at the edges. The finish is peppery and peaty with little tannic sweetness from the wine. I like this quite a bit and I'm happy with the purchase, although to be honest it doesn't have as much port as I was hoping for. The Brodir had that powerful peat and sweet thing going on, and it was much richer. Even at 52%, this one feels restrained. That said, it is more elegant and it doesn't even need a drop of water at that relatively high ABV to be enjoyable. I think this one will grow on me as I start to appreciate what it is (elegant and balanced Laphroaig), and not what it isn't (a port bomb).