Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

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

Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)
DistilleryPort EllenLaphroaig
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV40%46.6%
Age16 yr32 yr
Price£1495£1500
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value3/100

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

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

Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £1495 vs £1500.

For beginners: Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

Pros

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

Cons

  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (32 vs 16 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£1500 vs £1495)

Who should buy Port?

Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

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

SmokeyLeatheryOld Wood

Only Port Ellen 16 Year Old 1970 - Connoisseur's Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)

MedicinalKippery

Only Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

SherriedDried Fruit

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