Port Ellen 23 Year Old 1982 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing) vs Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

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

Port Ellen 23 Year Old 1982 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)
DistilleryPort EllenLaphroaig
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV55.1%46.6%
Age23 yr32 yr
Price£1495£1500
Rating5.00/5

Port Ellen 23 Year Old 1982 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner45/100
Value3/100

Port Ellen 23 Year Old 1982 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Port Ellen 23 Year Old 1982 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing) is better value at £1495 vs £1500.

For beginners: Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Port Ellen 23 Year Old 1982 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£1495 vs £1500)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (55.1%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (32 vs 23 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£1500 vs £1495)

Who should buy Port?

Port Ellen 23 Year Old 1982 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing) 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 32 Year Old (2015 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

SmokeyOld Wood

Only Port Ellen 23 Year Old 1982 - Old & Rare Platinum (Douglas Laing)

Medicinal

Only Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

SherriedDried FruitLeathery

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