Balvenie 17 Year Old Sherry Oak vs Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

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

Balvenie 17 Year Old Sherry OakLaphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)
DistilleryBalvenieLaphroaig
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV43%46.6%
Age17 yr32 yr
Price£1299£1500
Rating5.00/5

Balvenie 17 Year Old Sherry Oak

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

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

Balvenie 17 Year Old Sherry Oak

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Balvenie 17 Year Old Sherry Oak is better value at £1299 vs £1500.

For beginners: Balvenie 17 Year Old Sherry Oak is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Balvenie 17 Year Old Sherry Oak

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£1299 vs £1500)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • 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)
  • +Longer maturation (32 vs 17 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£1500 vs £1299)

Who should buy Balvenie?

Balvenie 17 Year Old Sherry Oak 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

SherriedDried Fruit

Only Balvenie 17 Year Old Sherry Oak

ChocolateVanillaCooked Fruit

Only Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

SmokeyLeatheryOld Wood

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