Help... I have a craving!

So I started drinking scotch on a regular basis this year, after having been converted from beer to wine when I met my wife. I usually have something like Dewar's at home because of the price and occasionally get the Glenlivet 12 yr. I sampled Laphroaig about a year ago and didn't dig it. Well, now that I'm in love with scotch I decided to give Laphroaig another chance. I had a glass at a restaurant and it reminded me of drinking from a rubber garden hose as a kid (fond memories btw). I kept thinking about the unique taste and my wife surprised me with a bottle of it. Now I want more!! The price is a little high for me to have on a regular basis so you experts out there.....is there something similar in taste but less expensive?? 

http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/laphroaig+10/1/usa
 
I'm not seeing the problem.


Ardberg 10 can be had in the mid $30s if that helps. It isn't quite as gentle, though, but I personally like it.

$37.99? Wow....over $50 a bottle here in Pa plus 7% sales tax. The problem is a bottle might make it 3 days and that quickly adds up. I can get the big bottle of Dewar's for around $40 and it will last a week. I didn't think about shopping online because Pa has some strange liquor rules. I'll give the Ardberg a try. Thanks for the suggestion! 

There are some connoisseurs who claim that some cheap scotches are nearly as good as the more expensive ones but have the advantage of being less known. I'm not an expert on those scotches however. I do know of an Islay blend available in the mid $20s that is quite good -- Black Bottle. There are others that are highly regarded by experienced members of this forum but I don't know much about them. You might also want to experiment with Famous Grouse though both of these scotches are considerably richer than Laphroaig 10, which is light, airy, smoky, with a light sweetness (I usually add a small amount of water to it). It all comes down to your taste. A good strategy is to find a bar or more likely pub that specializes in scotch and try a few drams out based on bartender recommendations. A good bartender that is passionate about scotch can be an invaluable guide.
 
Just my $.02 take it FWIW (which ain't much).

Hey I appreciate the advice! That's actually how I was able to try Laphroaig before buying it. A whisky bar/restaurant called Wingharts just opened in my town. Guess I'll have to burden myself and do some taste testing  

Living in PA is limiting your selection a bit. I can't find Black Bottle on your Wine and Spirits site. It's about $23 here if you find some it's pretty good for the money. 
 
The Black Grouse kind of fits your requirements @ $28.99. 
 
You could also try McCellend's Islay for $24.99. 
 
While nosing around for bargains I noticed you can buy Dimple Pinch 15 year for $21.99. That is about 1/2 price compared to what I pay. While I wouldn't consider it peaty at that price I'd give it a try.  

Thanks! Yeah, I've had the Dimple Pinch and liked it but I'm looking for that Laphroaig taste. Wait...I've got it! I'll cut a small section of garden hose and drink my scotch through it! Ha! 

Well, if you want to find closer to the Laphroaig taste there is not much to choose from. I'd say Caol Ila if your can find some (Lagavulin will also have the profile but the mineral side wont be there and the price will prob be higher). And that will be about it.

Or explore the rest of the Laphroaig line the quater cask is a good place to start. BTW if you ever stumble on a 15 yro grab it and stash it.

If you like the smoke taste, Johnnie Walker's green label is really good, but it is kinda pricey and it has recently been discontinued.  So you must hurry if interested.

I think I have a plan.....I'll just not drink so much. Yeah right. Maybe I'll buy some really cheap scotch for the week and treat myself to Laphroaig on the weekends.