First let me say I am very wet behind the ears here when it comes to whisky. Have been a perpetual embiber of rum and "tekillya" for many years. A friend many moons ago (15 yrs) gave me a bottle of 12 y.o. Glenlivet. I had tried it several times and "ok" with it. Since coming here to Xmarks I have read the threads on single malts and noticed that some guys enjoy the 12y.o. Glenlivet, so I got it out of the back of the cupboard and decided I would see if my palate had matured some. Well, I poured a couple of ounces and proceeded to give it a go and my first impression was it was like my mouth was being attacked! But, I continued telling myself it was an adjustment thing. The only way I can describe it is that it has very strong "bite" to me, almost "abusive". I am sorry I don't know how to describe it. I really need to read up on it more.
Anyway, this past weekend I was going to a friends birthday party and stopped by a liquor store to pick him up a liter of his favorite ( and one of mine) Captain Morgan's. I walked by the Scotch case and I noticed Laphroaig. I had heard about it, read about it on here, and saw a show on the History Channel that talked about it. So, what the hey I picked up a bottle of the 10 year old. When I got home, I tried a small dram. A totally different experience. Smooth! Complex flavor, none of that real harsh bite I got from the Glenlivet. I LIKE IT!!!
My question is this, I have read on here that the Islay Malts are something you have to grow into basically. Why would I then not take a liking to the Glen but immediatley enjoy Laphroaig? Is my palate that much out of whack?

Brad