Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017) vs Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017)
Blair Athol
★ 5.00
£450
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)
Laphroaig
★ 5.00
£399
| Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017) | Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Blair Athol | Laphroaig |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 58.4% | 48.9% |
| Age | 23 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £450 | £399 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017)
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)
Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017)
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)
Quick verdict
Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) is better value at £399 vs £450.
For beginners: Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (58.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£450 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 £450)
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 23 years)
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
Who should buy Blair?
Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017) 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 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 Blair Athol 23 Year Old 1993 (Special Release 2017)
Only Laphroaig 25 Year Old Cask Strength (2017 Release)