Pittyvaich 28 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2018) vs Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)

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

Pittyvaich 28 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2018)Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)
DistilleryPittyvaichLaphroaig
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV52.1%48.9%
Age28 yr25 yr
Price£499£399
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Pittyvaich 28 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2018)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner60/100
Value10/100

Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner45/100
Value13/100

Pittyvaich 28 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2018)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) is better value at £399 vs £499.

For beginners: Pittyvaich 28 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2018) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Pittyvaich 28 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2018)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Longer maturation (28 vs 25 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (52.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£499 vs £399)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£399 vs £499)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Pittyvaich?

Pittyvaich 28 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2018) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Who should buy Laphroaig?

Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 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

Only Pittyvaich 28 Year Old 1989 (Special Release 2018)

Malt ExtractVanillaHoneyFresh FruitOld Wood

Only Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)

SmokeySherriedMedicinalKipperyOily

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