Longrow Red 11 Year Old - Australian Shiraz Cask vs Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Longrow Red 11 Year Old - Australian Shiraz CaskLaphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)
DistillerySpringbankLaphroaig
RegionCampbeltownIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV53.7%48.9%
Age11 yr25 yr
Price£499£399
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Longrow Red 11 Year Old - Australian Shiraz Cask

Smoke64/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner35/100
Value10/100

Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner45/100
Value13/100

Longrow Red 11 Year Old - Australian Shiraz Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) is better value at £399 vs £499.

For beginners: Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Longrow Red 11 Year Old - Australian Shiraz Cask

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (53.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£499 vs £399)

Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£399 vs £499)
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 11 years)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Longrow?

Longrow Red 11 Year Old - Australian Shiraz Cask is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Who should buy Laphroaig?

Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Smokey

Only Longrow Red 11 Year Old - Australian Shiraz Cask

Cooked FruitDried FruitLeathery

Only Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)

SherriedMedicinalKipperyOily

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