Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1982 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing) vs Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1982 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)
Port Ellen
★ 5.00
£406
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)
Laphroaig
★ 5.00
£399
| Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1982 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing) | Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Port Ellen | Laphroaig |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 54.2% | 48.9% |
| Age | 30 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £405.9 | £399 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1982 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1982 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)
Quick verdict
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) is better value at £399 vs £406.
For beginners: Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1982 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 25 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (54.2%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£405.9 vs £399)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£399 vs £405.9)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Port?
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1982 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing) 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
Both taste of
Only Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1982 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)
Only Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)