I love the smoky Islays so I'll give this one a try if I ever get the chance, thank you!

This moose is not a fan of Islay whisky, I'm afraid. I once described Laphroaig tasting "as though it had been strained through a pair of leather trousers that had been dug out of a bog by Time Team". I stand by this description and prefer things like Glenfiddich. (Gran Reserva is glorious but £££.)

As a personal fan of Laphroaig, I have to say that you've described the flavour perfectly. Hearing you on Gran Reserva. Haven't ever had the pleasure, but it's not quite so expensive that I can't imagine ever giving it a try.

This moose read "Raw Spirit" by the late Iain Banks, and was offered a taste of the then "Havana Reserve" (Stupendous marketing cock-up) at Whisky Live in London. "I can't afford it" was my reply to the Glenfiddich rep; I tried it, thought "OMIGAWD!" and bought a bottle on the spot. Glorious stuff.

I bought a bottle of 30yr Laphroaig once. Only once. Insanely expensive reserve stuff. 10%-20% more than the Gran Reserva and that's before accounting for 25 years of intervening inflation. Before the first bottle was done I bought a second. They ran out and I've never had a chance to buy a 3rd.

There's one site offering a bottle of Havana Reserve at £450! I may have to insure my bottle separately. 3:O)>