Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release) vs Midleton Very Rare / Bot.1985 Blended Irish Whiskey

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

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)Midleton Very Rare / Bot.1985 Blended Irish Whiskey
DistilleryLaphroaigMidleton
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle MaltIrish
ABV46.6%40%
Age32 yrNAS
Price£1500£2500
Rating5.00/5

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

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

Midleton Very Rare / Bot.1985 Blended Irish Whiskey

Smoke0/100
Sweetness69/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Midleton Very Rare / Bot.1985 Blended Irish Whiskey

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release) is better value at £1500 vs £2500.

For beginners: Midleton Very Rare / Bot.1985 Blended Irish Whiskey is more approachable (85/100 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 £2500)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Midleton Very Rare / Bot.1985 Blended Irish Whiskey

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£2500 vs £1500)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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 Midleton?

Midleton Very Rare / Bot.1985 Blended Irish Whiskey 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Dried FruitOld Wood

Only Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

SmokeySherriedLeathery

Only Midleton Very Rare / Bot.1985 Blended Irish Whiskey

HoneyVanillaMalt Extract

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