Laphroaig 18 Year Old 2005 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) vs Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Laphroaig 18 Year Old 2005 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Laphroaig
£313
Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
Pittyvaich
★ 5.00
£350
| Laphroaig 18 Year Old 2005 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) | Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Laphroaig | Pittyvaich |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 50.6% | 43% |
| Age | 18 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £312.95 | £350 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Laphroaig 18 Year Old 2005 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
Laphroaig 18 Year Old 2005 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
Quick verdict
Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Laphroaig 18 Year Old 2005 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) is better value at £313 vs £350.
For beginners: Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Laphroaig 18 Year Old 2005 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£312.95 vs £350)
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (50.6%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£350 vs £312.95)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Laphroaig?
Laphroaig 18 Year Old 2005 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) 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 Pittyvaich?
Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Only Laphroaig 18 Year Old 2005 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Only Pittyvaich 12 Year Old - Flora and Fauna