Laphroaig 30 Year Old 1985 (2016 Release) vs Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Laphroaig 30 Year Old 1985 (2016 Release)
Laphroaig
★ 5.00
£1200

Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve
Glengoyne
★ 5.00
£995
| Laphroaig 30 Year Old 1985 (2016 Release) | Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Laphroaig | Glengoyne |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 53.5% | 50.3% |
| Age | 30 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £1200 | £995 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Laphroaig 30 Year Old 1985 (2016 Release)
Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve
Laphroaig 30 Year Old 1985 (2016 Release)
Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve
Quick verdict
Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve is better value at £995 vs £1200.
For beginners: Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Laphroaig 30 Year Old 1985 (2016 Release)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 25 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (53.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£1200 vs £995)
Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£995 vs £1200)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (50.3%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Laphroaig?
Laphroaig 30 Year Old 1985 (2016 Release) 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 Glengoyne?
Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve 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
Only Laphroaig 30 Year Old 1985 (2016 Release)
Only Glengoyne 25 Year Old 1968 Vintage Reserve