Laphroaig 16 Year Old 2005 (Master of Malt) vs North of Scotland 37 Year Old 1972 - The Clan Denny (Douglas Laing)

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

Laphroaig 16 Year Old 2005 (Master of Malt)North of Scotland 37 Year Old 1972 - The Clan Denny (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryLaphroaigNorth of Scotland
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltGrain
ABV57.1%50.6%
Age16 yr37 yr
Price£149.95£103.47
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Laphroaig 16 Year Old 2005 (Master of Malt)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value33/100

North of Scotland 37 Year Old 1972 - The Clan Denny (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner60/100
Value48/100

Laphroaig 16 Year Old 2005 (Master of Malt)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

North of Scotland 37 Year Old 1972 - The Clan Denny (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

North of Scotland 37 Year Old 1972 - The Clan Denny (Douglas Laing) is better value at £103 vs £150.

For beginners: North of Scotland 37 Year Old 1972 - The Clan Denny (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Laphroaig 16 Year Old 2005 (Master of Malt)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (57.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£149.95 vs £103.47)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

North of Scotland 37 Year Old 1972 - The Clan Denny (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£103.47 vs £149.95)
  • +Longer maturation (37 vs 16 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (50.6%) — may need water
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Laphroaig?

Laphroaig 16 Year Old 2005 (Master of Malt) 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 North?

North of Scotland 37 Year Old 1972 - The Clan Denny (Douglas Laing) 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Laphroaig 16 Year Old 2005 (Master of Malt)

SmokeyMedicinalLeathery

Only North of Scotland 37 Year Old 1972 - The Clan Denny (Douglas Laing)

OilyVanillaHoneyNutty

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