Glen Grant 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 442555) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) vs Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Glen Grant 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 442555) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Glen Grant
£519

Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)
Laphroaig
★ 5.00
£399
| Glen Grant 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 442555) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) | Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Glen Grant | Laphroaig |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.8% | 48.9% |
| Age | 30 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £519 | £399 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Glen Grant 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 442555) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)
Glen Grant 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 442555) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)
Quick verdict
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) is better value at £399 vs £519.
For beginners: Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Glen Grant 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 442555) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 25 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (55.8%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£519 vs £399)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£399 vs £519)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Glen?
Glen Grant 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 442555) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) 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
Only Glen Grant 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 442555) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Only Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)