Nikka Nine Decades vs Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

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

Nikka Nine DecadesLaphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)
DistilleryNikkaLaphroaig
RegionIslay
CountryJapanScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV48%46.6%
AgeNAS32 yr
Price£2449.95£1500
Rating5.00/5

Nikka Nine Decades

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

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

Nikka Nine Decades

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release) is better value at £1500 vs £2450.

For beginners: Nikka Nine Decades is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Nikka Nine Decades

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers

Cons

  • More expensive (£2449.95 vs £1500)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£1500 vs £2449.95)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Nikka?

Nikka Nine Decades suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

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

Old WoodSherried

Only Nikka Nine Decades

HoneyVanillaMalt Extract

Only Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

SmokeyDried FruitLeathery

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