I'm not a Whisky expert.

I enjoy trying the different single malts from around the country. I've tried Bowmore, Speyburn, Dalwhinnie, The Glenlivet, Glenmorangie and The Dalmore to name a few. They all have their own way about them, of course. Some I prefer over others, but none have been bad, just different.

I'd never tried Laphroaig so last week I procured a bottle if their Quarter Cask. Back at the castle I poured two fingers in a glass and had a nose. I thought, "That's... different. Strong. I've seen 'smells of burning tires' used to describe some whiskies, but I've never experienced it. Perhaps this is it."

I had a taste. That has to be one of the most awful things I have ever tasted. Burning tires would have been preferable. The best I can come up with is, "Dirty, wet socks that have been laying on the floor in a dark closet for a month."

All over the interwebs, including here, praises are sung of Laphroaig's QC. Do you suppose I got a bad bottle? A bad barrel perhaps?