Gee, Ralph, for a guy who doesn't like Islay, you've got a lot of serious examples. That Bowmore 25 doesn't come cheap. I've been saving up for that one for months. I'm curious what you think of the Caol Ila in comparison with the Talisker. I'm completely in love with the sea-salt airs of Talisker and have heard that Caol Ila has that same "sea" quality without the heavy smoke of Lagavulin and Laphroaig (which I can't help but love - but that's individual taste for ya). Bruichladdich is the sleeper killer of the group: a floral honeyed knockout that's totally the lightest and sweetest of the Islays by far. Notes on Bruichladdich 10: gentle malt and smoke nose, light yellow color, tastes of honey, clover, with a lovely floral lacey aromatic finish. Sadly, this distillery closed in '94 according to the http://www.islaywhiskey.com site. I don't know if this means we'll be getting what's in the cask for another 8 years or so or not. BTW, I've only tried the Bruichladdie 10. Awesome as it was, I could see how more mellowing and more wood would enhance things. The 12 and 15 are high on my shopping list. If you get the chance, I'd love to hear what you (or anyone) thinks. Please post your notes on the Bowmore 25, if you would. I'd love to hear about it before laying down the long green. Bowmore 10 is certainly a winner, though. Seems like a good risk.