Greetings again, Whisky Browsers. My views on Islay whiskies verge on the paranoic. I just don't like the taste. At the extreme end is Lagavulin. The Islay "attack" is positively Kamikaze. Creosote and old cigarette butts, filtered through smelly socks, with added salt. Closely followed by Laphroig. Love 'em or hate 'em, you cant be so-so obout them. Talisker (Skye) is in the same taste domain. But there is relief available. I've begun to make friends with Highland Park 12 yr old (Orkney Islands). Just a hint of Islay-style (Island ?)nose and palate - but (thank goodness) not enough to leave you doubled up gasping for breath and needing a mouth wash. It has a mellowness all of it's own. And a high gullet and tummy-warming quotient. Well worth a try for those looking for something different from Speyside. slanj