Looking for suggestions

You would probably like some individual attention for your question, but it is worth noting that there are at least a couple of prior discussions on the subject of early-in-your-malt-drinking-career choices for choosing your next few Scottish malts. If you know you don't like much peat, and you are asking about Lagavulin, sounds like you could use a good book or two as well.

I do have one malt recommendation for you where you are now: Talisker 18.

(Lagavulin 16? Lots of peat, and lots of people like that peat)

Judging from your likes, I'm betting you'd appreciate Oban 14, the Springbank 15 is even better than the 10, and if you're looking for a change of pace that steers well clear of the peat, I'd suggest AnCnoc 12. Much lighter and fruity than the ones you mentioned... But delicious nonetheless.

I agree with Victor as well. There are plenty of resources out there to research and refine the search for whiskies you'll like. One resource that I've found particularly helpful is ralfy.com and his respective YouTube channel ralfystuff--thorough, informative, unpretentious, independent whisky video reviews. He's quite a character too, so there's no lack of entertainment value as well. :)

If you really like Highland Park 12yo. you may like to ratchet-up your experience more than a few notches with HP. 18yo.

It has all the features of the12yo. but so much more developed: It has peat and it is part of the 18's charm; a carpet of peat - the most sophisticated, gentle and yet softly pervasive of all the peated Whiskies. This is shallow cut peat with all that that implies i.e. foliage, leaves, roots debris and of course peat. It sneeks up on you in the nicest possible way.

I personally consider HP. 18yo. to be a landmark Whisky in the Malt experience; an essential part of the learning curve, if you like and definately one to be enjoyed sooner rather than later.

Cheers and Goog Luck.

@Lnff1a Victor is right on the money with the Talsiker 18. if you are looking to expand the profile of flavors and get away from labels you have already had (you listed Talsiker 10) You could maybe try something like a Dalwhinnie 15 with almost no peat, but it is spicy and sweet, as a transition away from the islands. But definitely move to a highlander then try a couple prototypical speysiders--again IF you want to move from the profile you listed.

However, if what you listed is what you like then you won't really beat the Talkisker 18 or Highland Park 18.

I should also add the Hibiki whisky from Japan. I recently finished bottle of the 17 and it is just fantastic. Unfortunately it is difficult to get here in America.

@Lnff1a a couple of expressions spring to mind: Longrow CV, distilled at Springbank is the peated brother of the Springbank 10. The peat is however different from the one you find in your standard Islay whisky, tamer and not so seaweedy-iodine like tasting. Ledaig 10, distilled at Tobermory may also be to your taste. Otherwise, fi you want to move on to Islay territory I would suggest you to pick up something from Bruichladdich (Laddie Ten, Waves or Rocks) or the Bunnahabhain 12. Malts coming from these two distilleries are generally considered not to be so heavy on peat. You may however want to steer clear of Octomore and Port Charlotte (both distilled at Bruichladdich) for the moment, as their pretty heavily peated, hence similar in flavor profile to the holy trinity of Islay: Ardbeg, Lagavulin and Laphroaig.

I would also consider the Bunnahabhain 12 or 18. If you like the Highland Park 12, also might be worthwhile trying the Macallan 12 or 18 as well. For a hint of smoke at the end, the Aberlour 16 would work.

Thanks for the info everyone. I was thinking about trying Caol Ila 12 year. I'll have to do some more research.

@Lnff1a If Laphroaig 10 is a bit peaty for you, I would avoid the Caol Ila. It doesn't have the extreme smokiness and peat of the Laphroaig, but it takes a bit of getting used to. Caol Ila does not have the smoothness or complexity of a Laphroaig or Ardbeg - it just sort of slaps you in the face.

You should try:

• Bruichladdich "Laddie" TEN for an excellent unpeated Islay whisky
• Clynelish
• Springbank 100 proof (much much better than Springbank 12 and 15)

I tryed Lagavulin 16 and I really like it. I can't put my finger on what it was about Laphroaig 10 that I didn't like.