Ardbeg 20 Year Old 1996 (casks 808 & 811) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod) vs Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ardbeg 20 Year Old 1996 (casks 808 & 811) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)
Ardbeg
£295
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)
Laphroaig
★ 5.00
£399
| Ardbeg 20 Year Old 1996 (casks 808 & 811) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod) | Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Laphroaig |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46.5% | 48.9% |
| Age | 20 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £295.09 | £399 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Ardbeg 20 Year Old 1996 (casks 808 & 811) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)
Ardbeg 20 Year Old 1996 (casks 808 & 811) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)
Quick verdict
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ardbeg 20 Year Old 1996 (casks 808 & 811) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod) is better value at £295 vs £399.
For beginners: Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Ardbeg 20 Year Old 1996 (casks 808 & 811) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£295.09 vs £399)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 20 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£399 vs £295.09)
Who should buy Ardbeg?
Ardbeg 20 Year Old 1996 (casks 808 & 811) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod) 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 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
Both taste of
Only Ardbeg 20 Year Old 1996 (casks 808 & 811) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)
Only Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)