Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release) vs Rosebank 1981 / 20 Year Old / Rare Malts Lowland Whisky

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

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)Rosebank 1981 / 20 Year Old / Rare Malts Lowland Whisky
DistilleryLaphroaigRosebank
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV46.6%40%
Age32 yrNAS
Price£1500£1350
Rating5.00/5

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

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

Rosebank 1981 / 20 Year Old / Rare Malts Lowland Whisky

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

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Rosebank 1981 / 20 Year Old / Rare Malts Lowland Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Rosebank 1981 / 20 Year Old / Rare Malts Lowland Whisky is better value at £1350 vs £1500.

For beginners: Rosebank 1981 / 20 Year Old / Rare Malts Lowland Whisky is more approachable (85/100 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)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£1500 vs £1350)

Rosebank 1981 / 20 Year Old / Rare Malts Lowland Whisky

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£1350 vs £1500)

Cons

  • 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 Rosebank?

Rosebank 1981 / 20 Year Old / Rare Malts Lowland 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.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

SmokeySherriedDried FruitLeathery

Only Rosebank 1981 / 20 Year Old / Rare Malts Lowland Whisky

HoneyMalt ExtractOily

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