orcishgamer: Laphroaig also has a good reputation as an Islay but I can't say much about it, as neither I nor anyone I trust has tried it.
Coelocanth: Of the three Islay malts you mentioned (Ardbeg, Laphroaig, and Lagavulin), my favorite is the Lagavulin (my overall favorite scotch period, actually). Ardbeg is a far distant third.
Laphroaig is my 'go-to' scotch due to it being 45 bucks cheaper here than Lagavulin, and it's easily my second favorite of all scotches I've tried. So, keeping mind that I'm a huge fan of the Islay scotches, I'd say if you at all enjoy Lagavulin, you'll probably like Laphroaig. Think of it as somewhat similar to Lagavulin but with not quite so much Islay in it. Actually, I'd be surprised, given your view of Islay malts, if you didn't like Laphroaig better than Lagavulin.
If you like Islay whiskies, you should at least try Talisker. It's probably my personal favorite of the style.
@Orcish: I'm a fan of Aberlour as well; personally, I think the 15 year cask I've got is substantially better than the 12 year you get in bottles in the States. I dunno if they sell it cask strength anywhere over there, but if you spot a glass of it at a bar, I'd recommend it.
