Laphroaig 12 Year Old 1999 (cask 5159) - Highgrove vs Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Laphroaig 12 Year Old 1999 (cask 5159) - Highgrove
Laphroaig
£199
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Tomintoul
★ 5.00
£224
| Laphroaig 12 Year Old 1999 (cask 5159) - Highgrove | Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Laphroaig | Tomintoul |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 53.9% |
| Age | 12 yr | 31 yr |
| Price | £199 | £223.7 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Laphroaig 12 Year Old 1999 (cask 5159) - Highgrove
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Laphroaig 12 Year Old 1999 (cask 5159) - Highgrove
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Quick verdict
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Laphroaig 12 Year Old 1999 (cask 5159) - Highgrove is better value at £199 vs £224.
For beginners: Laphroaig 12 Year Old 1999 (cask 5159) - Highgrove is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Laphroaig 12 Year Old 1999 (cask 5159) - Highgrove
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£199 vs £223.7)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (31 vs 12 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (53.9%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£223.7 vs £199)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Laphroaig?
Laphroaig 12 Year Old 1999 (cask 5159) - Highgrove 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 Tomintoul?
Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single 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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Laphroaig 12 Year Old 1999 (cask 5159) - Highgrove
Only Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask