Laphroaig 18 Year Old - Pre 2013 vs Bruichladdich 16 Year Old 2002 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Laphroaig 18 Year Old - Pre 2013
Laphroaig
★ 4.00
£299
Bruichladdich 16 Year Old 2002 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Bruichladdich
★ 5.00
£218
| Laphroaig 18 Year Old - Pre 2013 | Bruichladdich 16 Year Old 2002 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Laphroaig | Bruichladdich |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 48% | 62.6% |
| Age | 18 yr | 16 yr |
| Price | £299 | £217.95 |
| Rating | 4.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Laphroaig 18 Year Old - Pre 2013
Bruichladdich 16 Year Old 2002 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Laphroaig 18 Year Old - Pre 2013
Bruichladdich 16 Year Old 2002 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Quick verdict
Bruichladdich 16 Year Old 2002 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).
Bruichladdich 16 Year Old 2002 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £218 vs £299.
For beginners: Laphroaig 18 Year Old - Pre 2013 is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).
Laphroaig 18 Year Old - Pre 2013
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 16 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£299 vs £217.95)
- −Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Bruichladdich 16 Year Old 2002 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£217.95 vs £299)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (62.6%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Laphroaig?
Laphroaig 18 Year Old - Pre 2013 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Who should buy Bruichladdich?
Bruichladdich 16 Year Old 2002 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Laphroaig 18 Year Old - Pre 2013
Only Bruichladdich 16 Year Old 2002 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)