Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release) vs Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011

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

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011
DistilleryLaphroaigArdbeg
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46.6%55.1%
Age32 yr13 yr
Price£1500£1999
Rating5.00/52.71/5

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

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

Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011

Smoke64/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner25/100
Value1/100

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 2.71).

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

For beginners: Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

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

Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (55.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£1999 vs £1500)
  • Lower community rating (2.7 vs 5.0)

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.

Who should buy Ardbeg?

Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeySherriedDried Fruit

Only Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

LeatheryOld Wood

Only Ardbeg 1998 - Fèis Ìle 2011

Chocolate

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