Caol Ila 1978 / 23 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky vs Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

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

Caol Ila 1978 / 23 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay WhiskyLaphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)
DistilleryCaol IlaLaphroaig
RegionIslay
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%46.6%
AgeNAS32 yr
Price£1100£1500
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 1978 / 23 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

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

Caol Ila 1978 / 23 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Caol Ila 1978 / 23 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky is better value at £1100 vs £1500.

For beginners: Caol Ila 1978 / 23 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 1978 / 23 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£1100 vs £1500)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£1500 vs £1100)

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 1978 / 23 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Smokey

Only Caol Ila 1978 / 23 Year Old / Rare Malts Islay Whisky

KipperyMedicinal

Only Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

SherriedDried FruitLeatheryOld Wood

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