If it was your choice.

@Lars, IMO you cannot go wrong with the Lasanta ... a lovely sherried, non-smoky, 12-year whisky at 46%. If you want a less balanced, smoky, sherried, and more interesting, and I might add quirky bottle, then try the Bowmore 15 Darkest. Good luck ... let us know what happened :)

I'm a huge advocate for the Bowmore Darkest, but that being said I've never had the Lasanta. I like the Darkest because it's really unlike any Islay scotch I've ever had; it really is a quirky bottle like AboutChoice said.

@Lars well I've tried the Darkest several times in the last few months and I find it a very decent dram, though nothing spectacular (but I have to admit that the only benchmark I have for peat + sherry is the uigeadail)...this evening I cracked open my first bottle of Lasanta and it's right, you can't go wrong if you are looking for an easy, delicious dram that just pleases your tastebuds without engaging you too much...let us know

I haven't had the Bowmore, but have had many a Lasanta and agree that you cannot go wrong. Nice, easy sherry deliciousness.

I haven't been super impressed with any Bowmore bottlings. But Glenmorangie produces some really fine, complex expressions. I'd go with Lasanta.

Another comment :) Lasanta reminds me of a beautiful, warm and sunny day in a beatiful park ... a reliable and delicious dram. Bowmore 15 Darkest reminds me of a late-night, wild, outdoor party, with bonfires and torches all around; venture over to the dark side with Bowmore :)

Then, if these happen to be out of stock, when you need them most, alternatives to try are Glenmorangie Quinta Ruban, Auchentoshan 3-Wood, Highland Park 12, Glendronach 15 Revival and Glenfarclas 12.

@AboutChoice, Bowmore 15 Darkest gets you The Lord of the Flies? That is a special cargo to deliver. Very interesting indeed. I must say @AboutChoice, your unwavering enthusiasm for Lasanta really makes me want to try some.

I've called around the local commissions here in town and it sounds like the Lasanta is harder to get. Not sure why...limited quantities maybe or just well liked in town. I'll see if I can get a tasting at the Liquor Commission tomorrow if possible. :) Thanks for the input guys.

Very good, @Victor, think of Lord of the Flies with Bowmore ... bet they wish they had a bottle :)

Having said all the above about Lasanta, there is no need to rush ... it is always around (except in Lars' neighborhood), and it is not suggested as a die-for dram, but as a very nice sherried, non-smoky, and affordable whisky (around under $70 USD ... I have found it for $40 USD). Though Lasanta has won noteworthy awards, many prefer the Sonnalta, which is less affordable. The alternatives suggested (oh, add Macallan 12) are all sherried to various degrees, and at most only slightly smoky; the Glendronach 15 Revival is pushing the limits on affordable, but is 100% sherried at 46%, and is a cut above just being "very nice", especially for a seasoned enthusiast.

@Lars If you can get small bottles of each, try that. The Lasanta comes in a 3-pack of smaller bottles with two other Glenmorangie "finished" expressions. Don't know if the Bowmore Darkest is available in a mini. Neither of these fit my taste, but I believe everybody should try lots of different whisky to determine what they like -- even the ones everyone else says are terrible.

Visited a local commission after a wonderful night out with my wife last night. Of the bottles I was considering they only had Bowmore Darkest and only 2 bottles of it as well. In the end the decision was easy a bottle of the darkest went home with me.

The salesperson was very accommodating and brought me out a sample of The Balvenie Doublewood 12 yr old they had in the back. It was nice but not really what I had in mind.

I opened the bottle once we got home and had a sip but after the rich dinner and wine I think my taste buds were shot. I do remember the long smokey finish this whiskey had. Tonight will be a serious tasting night and we'll see if I can do a review on it. Thanks everyone.

Glenmorangie is my (current) favorite distiller, and hands-down for me the SonnaltaPX is their best -- but as has been said, it is a bit pricey. I'm a huge fan of the Quinta Ruban, but in the context of this discussion I can certainly agree with all of the Lasanta commentary.

Having said all of that, though, I am starting to really expand my limited horizons by sampling more Speyside and Lowland malts. Been through quite a few Highland and more Islay than I care to remember (sorry @TracerBullet!). I have found many of the other members here to have valuable opinions which helps me to have a better expectation and appreciation when trying new ones.

No problem @kharmin! I very much enjoy the Glenmorangie offerings and I don't think you can go wrong with them. That said, I also enjoy a dram of the Islays as well - Lagavulin 16 is a favorite and the Lagavulin Double Matured is to die for (IMHO). I have tried Bowmore but not The Darkest. Personally, I want to know how The Bowmore Darkest compares to the Lagavulin Double Matured as I see the standard Bowmore as a more affordable substitute for my beloved Lagavulin 16. They aren't the same mind you, but close. I'd go Bowmore but that is because I have had the Lasanta and would want to try the Bowmore Darkest.