Macallan 28 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) vs Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

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

Macallan 28 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)
DistilleryThe MacallanLaphroaig
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV40.2%46.6%
Age28 yr32 yr
Price£1324.95£1500
Rating5.00/5

Macallan 28 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

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

Macallan 28 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Macallan 28 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £1325 vs £1500.

For beginners: Macallan 28 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Macallan 28 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£1324.95 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 28 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£1500 vs £1324.95)

Who should buy Macallan?

Macallan 28 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.

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 FruitOld Wood

Only Macallan 28 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

ChocolateVanilla

Only Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

SmokeyLeathery

Where to buy

Macallan 28 Year Old 1989 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

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