Yamazaki 18 Year Old - 100th Anniversary Limited Edition vs Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

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

Yamazaki 18 Year Old - 100th Anniversary Limited EditionLaphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)
DistilleryYamazakiLaphroaig
RegionIslay
CountryJapanScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48%46.6%
Age18 yr32 yr
Price£1999£1500
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Yamazaki 18 Year Old - 100th Anniversary Limited Edition

Smoke0/100
Sweetness30/100
Beginner50/100
Value3/100

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

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

Yamazaki 18 Year Old - 100th Anniversary Limited Edition

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release) is better value at £1500 vs £1999.

For beginners: Yamazaki 18 Year Old - 100th Anniversary Limited Edition is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Yamazaki 18 Year Old - 100th Anniversary Limited Edition

Pros

  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£1999 vs £1500)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£1500 vs £1999)
  • +Longer maturation (32 vs 18 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Yamazaki?

Yamazaki 18 Year Old - 100th Anniversary Limited Edition suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

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 Wood

Only Yamazaki 18 Year Old - 100th Anniversary Limited Edition

TobaccoToasted

Only Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

SmokeySherriedDried FruitLeathery

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