Midleton Very Rare 1985 vs Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

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

Midleton Very Rare 1985Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)
DistilleryMidletonLaphroaig
RegionIslay
CountryIrelandScotland
TypeBlendedSingle Malt
ABV40%46.6%
AgeNAS32 yr
Price£1999£1500
Rating3.00/55.00/5

Midleton Very Rare 1985

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner70/100
Value2/100

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

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

Midleton Very Rare 1985

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.00).

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

For beginners: Midleton Very Rare 1985 is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Midleton Very Rare 1985

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£1999 vs £1500)
  • Lower community rating (3.0 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 1985 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended 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 WoodDried FruitSherried

Only Midleton Very Rare 1985

VanillaToasted

Only Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

SmokeyLeathery

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