Highland Park 45 Year Old 1968 (cask 5643) - Tantalus (Duncan Taylor) vs Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

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

Highland Park 45 Year Old 1968 (cask 5643) - Tantalus (Duncan Taylor)Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)
DistilleryHighland ParkLaphroaig
RegionIslandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV41%46.6%
Age45 yr32 yr
Price£1762.37£1500
Rating5.00/5

Highland Park 45 Year Old 1968 (cask 5643) - Tantalus (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness73/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

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

Highland Park 45 Year Old 1968 (cask 5643) - Tantalus (Duncan Taylor)

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 £1762.

For beginners: Highland Park 45 Year Old 1968 (cask 5643) - Tantalus (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Highland Park 45 Year Old 1968 (cask 5643) - Tantalus (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (45 vs 32 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£1762.37 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 £1762.37)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Highland?

Highland Park 45 Year Old 1968 (cask 5643) - Tantalus (Duncan Taylor) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

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 WoodSherriedLeathery

Only Highland Park 45 Year Old 1968 (cask 5643) - Tantalus (Duncan Taylor)

HoneyTobacco

Only Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

SmokeyDried Fruit

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