Clynelish 12 Year Old / Spirit of Free Embo / Bot.1988 Highland Whisky vs Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

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

Clynelish 12 Year Old / Spirit of Free Embo / Bot.1988 Highland WhiskyLaphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)
DistilleryClynelishLaphroaig
RegionIslay
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%46.6%
AgeNAS32 yr
Price£2500£1500
Rating5.00/5

Clynelish 12 Year Old / Spirit of Free Embo / Bot.1988 Highland Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

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

Clynelish 12 Year Old / Spirit of Free Embo / Bot.1988 Highland 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).

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

For beginners: Clynelish 12 Year Old / Spirit of Free Embo / Bot.1988 Highland Whisky is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Clynelish 12 Year Old / Spirit of Free Embo / Bot.1988 Highland Whisky

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

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

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

Who should buy Clynelish?

Clynelish 12 Year Old / Spirit of Free Embo / Bot.1988 Highland Whisky 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.

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

Only Clynelish 12 Year Old / Spirit of Free Embo / Bot.1988 Highland Whisky

HoneyVanillaCitricToasted

Only Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

SmokeySherriedDried FruitLeatheryOld Wood

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