Comparing Laphroaigs

@AKGcandlefish disclaimer: I've been through a bottle of the QC but I only had the 18 at a bar. When I tasted the 18 under those conditions, my impressions were much more rich vanilla, less raw peatiness, smoother finish. The 18 had a loooooong smoky finish. The longest finish I've EVER had on a whisky - after leaving the bar, I took the train home from the city, and sat down to some dinner over an hour later and my mouth with still full of peat. Then I ate dinner. Then two hours later I could still taste some peat a bit.

Overall I definitely think the 18 is better... but not twice the price better. Here in Pennsylvania it's $70 vs. $55 for QC, and I think that's about right for how much more you're getting. If you're at all worried about value, I'd probably pass on the 18 at over $100.

Wow. Seems they're really jacking the prices here in Florida. Thanks for the breakdown, @valuewhisky. Guess I'll wait to give the 18 a try until I can pick it up cheaper in another state!

@valuewhisky: In Aust. from most sellers Au.$140. This is what we call 'Highway Robbery'.

Slainte!

To be fair, I think PA is the anomaly here. I think everywhere else it's $100... I just personally wouldn't pay that for it. It's good though if you don't care about the money.

@valuewhisky I can find the 18 in parts of KY for 80.00. I like both the 18 and the QC, but they are almost as different as 2 Laphroaigs can be. I have been through a couple bottles of each. The 18 is much more subdued and "elegant" than the QC or the 10YO. I like it best on aroma and finish. The QC probably has more taste / flavor. Both are cabinet staples for me.

I think @valuewhisky is completely right here, 18 yo is better but NOT twice the price better, and certainly not as it is here in Japan, about three times the price better! Here in Japan you can pick up the QC for about 4000¥ ($50 Canadian?), the 18 yo is usually around 12000¥ ($140 Canadian?)

A great whisky but due to the price I rarely buy it.

@CanadianNinja our ratio here is about $50 (QC) to $100 (18). I like both. QC is rougher and 18 easier. I think you have to pick the more important feature as regards your willingness to pay for what you want.

@AKGcandlefish The 18 Year Old Laphroaig is one of my favourites!

Has anyone tried the 25 year old, I am able to find it for around $220

@DevD Is that the 25YO CS? I'd buy it for that price. Cheapest I can find around Nashville is 399.00. Too much for me.

@Onibubba , Yes it's the 2011 CS edition