Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release) vs Macallan 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 628) - 30th Anniversary Gift Box (Signatory)

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

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)Macallan 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 628) - 30th Anniversary Gift Box (Signatory)
DistilleryLaphroaigThe Macallan
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46.6%54%
Age32 yr21 yr
Price£1500£1499.95
Rating5.00/5

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

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

Macallan 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 628) - 30th Anniversary Gift Box (Signatory)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Macallan 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 628) - 30th Anniversary Gift Box (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Macallan 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 628) - 30th Anniversary Gift Box (Signatory) is better value at £1500 vs £1500.

For beginners: Macallan 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 628) - 30th Anniversary Gift Box (Signatory) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (32 vs 21 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£1500 vs £1499.95)

Macallan 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 628) - 30th Anniversary Gift Box (Signatory)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£1499.95 vs £1500)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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.

Who should buy Macallan?

Macallan 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 628) - 30th Anniversary Gift Box (Signatory) 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

SherriedDried Fruit

Only Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

SmokeyLeatheryOld Wood

Only Macallan 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 628) - 30th Anniversary Gift Box (Signatory)

VanillaChocolate

Where to buy

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

Macallan 21 Year Old 1997 (cask 628) - 30th Anniversary Gift Box (Signatory)

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