Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - Old Malt Cask Commemorative (Douglas Laing) vs Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - Old Malt Cask Commemorative (Douglas Laing)
Port Ellen
£1200
Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)
Laphroaig
★ 5.00
£1500
| Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - Old Malt Cask Commemorative (Douglas Laing) | Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Port Ellen | Laphroaig |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.6% | 46.6% |
| Age | 30 yr | 32 yr |
| Price | £1200 | £1500 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - Old Malt Cask Commemorative (Douglas Laing)
Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - Old Malt Cask Commemorative (Douglas Laing)
Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)
Quick verdict
Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - Old Malt Cask Commemorative (Douglas Laing) is better value at £1200 vs £1500.
For beginners: Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - Old Malt Cask Commemorative (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£1200 vs £1500)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (55.6%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −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
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (32 vs 30 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£1500 vs £1200)
Who should buy Port?
Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - Old Malt Cask Commemorative (Douglas 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 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
Only Port Ellen 30 Year Old 1979 - Old Malt Cask Commemorative (Douglas Laing)
Only Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)