Port Ellen 23 Year Old 1978 (cask 5339) - Signatory vs Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

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

Port Ellen 23 Year Old 1978 (cask 5339) - SignatoryLaphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)
DistilleryPort EllenLaphroaig
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.4%46.6%
Age23 yr32 yr
Price£1200£1500
Rating5.00/5

Port Ellen 23 Year Old 1978 (cask 5339) - Signatory

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

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

Port Ellen 23 Year Old 1978 (cask 5339) - Signatory

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 1978 (cask 5339) - Signatory is better value at £1200 vs £1500.

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

Port Ellen 23 Year Old 1978 (cask 5339) - Signatory

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£1200 vs £1500)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.4%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 £1200)

Who should buy Port?

Port Ellen 23 Year Old 1978 (cask 5339) - Signatory 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

SmokeySherriedOld WoodLeathery

Only Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

Dried Fruit

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