Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1978 - 6th Release (Special Release 2006) vs Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1978 - 6th Release (Special Release 2006)
Port Ellen
★ 5.00
£1999

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)
Laphroaig
★ 5.00
£1500
| Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1978 - 6th Release (Special Release 2006) | Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Port Ellen | Laphroaig |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 54.2% | 46.6% |
| Age | 27 yr | 32 yr |
| Price | £1999 | £1500 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1978 - 6th Release (Special Release 2006)
Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)
Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1978 - 6th Release (Special Release 2006)
Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)
Quick verdict
Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release) is better value at £1500 vs £1999.
For beginners: Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1978 - 6th Release (Special Release 2006)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (54.2%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£1999 vs £1500)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£1500 vs £1999)
- +Longer maturation (32 vs 27 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Port?
Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1978 - 6th Release (Special Release 2006) 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
Only Port Ellen 27 Year Old 1978 - 6th Release (Special Release 2006)
Only Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)