Caol Ila 38 Year Old 1984 (cask 3122) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) vs Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 38 Year Old 1984 (cask 3122) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Caol Ila
£1342
Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)
Laphroaig
★ 5.00
£1500
| Caol Ila 38 Year Old 1984 (cask 3122) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) | Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Laphroaig |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 53.3% | 46.6% |
| Age | 38 yr | 32 yr |
| Price | £1341.5 | £1500 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 38 Year Old 1984 (cask 3122) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)
Caol Ila 38 Year Old 1984 (cask 3122) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)
Quick verdict
Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 38 Year Old 1984 (cask 3122) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £1342 vs £1500.
For beginners: Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 38 Year Old 1984 (cask 3122) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£1341.5 vs £1500)
- +Longer maturation (38 vs 32 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (53.3%) — 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)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −More expensive (£1500 vs £1341.5)
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 38 Year Old 1984 (cask 3122) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 Caol Ila 38 Year Old 1984 (cask 3122) - Connoisseurs Choice (Gordon & MacPhail)
Only Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)