Laphroaig. Or Something. Lighter?

[Unkei]

I used to drink Laphroaig almost exclusively. Of course I once loved dark beer, such as Stout. Now, at 66 years of age, I find I like a bit lighter taste as a regular dram. I still like Islays, but just not quite as peaty as Laphroaig. So my question is, which do you prefer, a heavier taste such as Laphroaig, or something lighter on the palette? I'm thinking as a regular dram, not the occasional side trip. Would love to hear your views.
Unkei
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"I won't say I've got a drinking problem, but of late, I've been so dry my bones rattle when I walk!"
Unkei

[Quaich1]

[James T]

Hi Unkei, what i reach for to pour all very much depends on my mood and the occasion. I always have a varied selection of styles of whiskies on the go at any one time. Probably have around 40 bottles open at the moment.

A couple which i enjoy which are not big in your face peaty Islay whiskies such as Ardbeg , Laphroaig and Lagavulin are Caol ila 12 and Bowmore 12. Away from Islay, Jura Prophecy is excellent and for an even lighter touch of peat Highland Park 12 and 18 year old are excellent also.

[albo]

Another vote here for Highland Park 12 Good price and a small amount of peat

[William]

I agree if you are looking for something with just a touch of peat then Highland Park is a great all round whisky which has a bit of everything including honey, fruit, spice, nuttiness, floral and a touch of Highland Parks unique smokiness (they have a different type of peat on the Orkney Islands than they do on Islay). They have a superb range available starting from the excellent Highland Park 12 and the 18 is outstanding.

I would also 2nd James suggestion of the Jura Prophecy.

Another superb peat smoke whisky away from Islay is Talisker which isnt so in your face with the peat smoke and also offers a nice bit of seaweed, spice and Taliskers unique pepperyness.

For some great whiskies with little or no peat which are great everyday drinking whiskies i would say take a look at Dalwhinnie 15, all of the Balvenie range, all of the Glenfiddich range, Glenmorangie, Glenlivet. For a bit of sherried fruitiness then take a look at Glenfarclas, Glendronach and Aberlour.
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There's no bad whisky. Just good whisky and better whisky.

[Kava]

All good suggestions above. I dont have a preference just depends what i am in the mood for whether it is a big peaty Isly or a sherried monster or a lighter fruity floral Speysider.

[bifter]

Good topic!

To me the most obvious (less peaty) Islay alternative to Laphroaig (discounting Lagavulin, Ardbeg and new peat monsters such as Kilchoman and Port Charlotte) is Caol Ila. The standard 12 is a great balance of grassy, oily and subdued peaty notes with a mouthfeel and thin body similar to Laphroaig 10. However the price seems to have risen suddenly by around 10%.

If we go further afield I would certainly have touted Longrow CV if it had not been discontinued however I do enjoy the other Campbeltown whiskies - Springbank and Glen Scotia are oily with subtle smoke notes and the Kilkerran releases are coming along nicely!

The Islands offer up Talisker and Highland Park as have already been mentioned. Jura and Ledaig are just not my thing but they are classic island style whisky.

From Speyside, Ardmore Traditional Cask and Benromach Peat Smoke are both very smoky but with much less of the phenolic notes of Islay whisky. They both have lots of sweetness and body too - a world away from Laphroaig.

As for my personal preference I enjoy most of what the whisky world has to offer, from light floral Bladnochs to full-on sherry bombs and peat monsters, it just depends on mood and what I have in the cabinet.
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"Whisky is liquid sunshine."
[George Bernard Shaw]