I am not quite sure if Laphroaig is the right end to start your carrier in malt whisky. In a scale from 1-10, no one have ever given Laphroaig the grades from 2-9. If you are fond of cognac and richly palated drams, it could be the right thing to do. However, if you are more custom to soft drinks and wine, I think you will be better off starting in the other end, with the not so rough ones from the highlands. Anyway, no rules without exeptions, you might just fall in love right away, like I did.