Smoke Head or Sherry Bomb?

Those prices are on the extreme side of the equation. I will do my research and try to find the main source from a USA importer/retailer.
I drink much less wine now but still have 300 bottles ageing. I recognize the general overall improvement of wines in many regions throughout the world. Despite what appears to be a surplus of very good wine each producer/exporter/shipper attempts to create cachet and exclusivity, with prices to match. The sweet side of the curve is generally avoiding splashy names and listening to the wine buyer of you're local sources. If your a regular they usually steer you well. I had my own predujices of course and was never absolutely slavish.
If you buy a bottle of wine at the suggestion of a wine writer a store manager or friend and it doesn't appeal to you- you drink it or cook with it and never buy it again. If you buy audio for multiple $$$K then you have a more cumbersome problem.
Audio is a real PITA to get right without some failed experimentation it seems that anyway. Perhaps there are lucky souls who audition an entire rig, buy it and live happily with no upgradeitis attacks ever after. I know I had to go through 6 years of experimentation before sticking a fork in it. That after being an audio 2 channel person for over 25 happy years before this high end business and the end of stereo shops. The amp died and off I went.

Yes, I know the examples cited were extreme but a previous poster asked what rarities might cost. These are about as rare as they get.
As mentioned, good single malt whiskys can be had for much, much less.

On Monday, a cold, rainy night I was trying to remember the thread, but could only decide on a 10 year Glenmorangie which so far seems like it was a good idea.

$38 at my local discounter, so I hope not the Bose Wave Radio of single malts, but with the savings vs. Rja's suggestions, I can buy a new car and stereo.

My usually Laphroaig 10 goes for around $42 around here. I recently purchased the Laphroaig 18 for right around $85.

I tasted the new 18yo Laphroaig on Sunday at a friends, thought it was excellent. I saw it at a local bottle shop for $64 but $85 is probably closer to normal.

We also tasted an 18yo Longrow, 1969 25yo Bowmore and 17yo Ardbeg (no longer available). Quite a night :^).

BTW: Found 1/2 bottle of the Bowmore and 2/3 bottle of the Ardbeg in one of my kitchen cabinets. Some other stuff was in front of it.

BTW2: I've tasted 25yo and 30yo Laphroaig and the 30yo might be my favorite whisky of all time.