Midleton Very Rare 2003 vs Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

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

Midleton Very Rare 2003Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)
DistilleryMidletonLaphroaig
RegionIslay
CountryIrelandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV40%46.6%
AgeNAS32 yr
Price£1999£1500
Rating5.00/5

Midleton Very Rare 2003

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

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

Midleton Very Rare 2003

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 £1999.

For beginners: Midleton Very Rare 2003 is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Midleton Very Rare 2003

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers

Cons

  • More expensive (£1999 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 £1999)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Midleton?

Midleton Very Rare 2003 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

Sherried

Only Midleton Very Rare 2003

HoneyVanillaMalt Extract

Only Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

SmokeyDried FruitLeatheryOld Wood

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