There was a period not long ago when our suppliers were telling us never to expect another drop of Laphroaig at anything close to a reasonable price. The reason for that? Independent bottlers price their stocks not based on acquisition costs, but on replacement costs. As the distillery throttles back on availability, the industry responds by raising prices—simple economics. But everywhere else we look, suppliers are still asking double or triple what our friends at Douglas Laing are able to offer. We don’t see a lot of those products on the market, as there simply isn’t much interest in even excellent Laphroaig under 15 years old at $200 or $300 a bottle. But here we are: a proper mid-aged Laphroaig for just over $100? We’ve still got it, baby. The style here is absolutely classical—powerful, savory, and ocean-driven with the expected iodine, crushed oyster shell, creosote, forest floor, ripe green olives, and lemon oil. It’s similar stock to the 10-year-old we had back in 2023, but 30% older and more developed, yet nearly the same price. A stupendous whisky and a ridiculous value.