Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1983 (cask 671) Tantalus (Duncan Taylor) vs Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

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

Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1983 (cask 671) Tantalus (Duncan Taylor)Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)
DistilleryPort EllenLaphroaig
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV52%46.6%
Age30 yr32 yr
Price£2054.98£1500
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1983 (cask 671) Tantalus (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner30/100
Value2/100

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

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

Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1983 (cask 671) Tantalus (Duncan Taylor)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release) is better value at £1500 vs £2055.

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

Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1983 (cask 671) Tantalus (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (52%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£2054.98 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
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£1500 vs £2054.98)
  • +Longer maturation (32 vs 30 years)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Port?

Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1983 (cask 671) Tantalus (Duncan Taylor) 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

SmokeyLeathery

Only Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1983 (cask 671) Tantalus (Duncan Taylor)

MedicinalOily

Only Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

SherriedDried FruitOld Wood

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