Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release) vs SMWS 53.461 (Caol Ila) / 1993 / 30 Year Old / For LMDW Artist #13 Islay Whisky

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

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)SMWS 53.461 (Caol Ila) / 1993 / 30 Year Old / For LMDW Artist #13 Islay Whisky
DistilleryLaphroaigCaol Ila
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV46.6%40%
Age32 yrNAS
Price£1500£1200
Rating5.00/5

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

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

SMWS 53.461 (Caol Ila) / 1993 / 30 Year Old / For LMDW Artist #13 Islay Whisky

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

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

SMWS 53.461 (Caol Ila) / 1993 / 30 Year Old / For LMDW Artist #13 Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

SMWS 53.461 (Caol Ila) / 1993 / 30 Year Old / For LMDW Artist #13 Islay Whisky is better value at £1200 vs £1500.

For beginners: SMWS 53.461 (Caol Ila) / 1993 / 30 Year Old / For LMDW Artist #13 Islay Whisky is more approachable (55/100 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 £1200)

SMWS 53.461 (Caol Ila) / 1993 / 30 Year Old / For LMDW Artist #13 Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£1200 vs £1500)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

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

Who should buy SMWS?

SMWS 53.461 (Caol Ila) / 1993 / 30 Year Old / For LMDW Artist #13 Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Smokey

Only Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

SherriedDried FruitLeatheryOld Wood

Only SMWS 53.461 (Caol Ila) / 1993 / 30 Year Old / For LMDW Artist #13 Islay Whisky

KipperyCitricMedicinal

Where to buy

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)

SMWS 53.461 (Caol Ila) / 1993 / 30 Year Old / For LMDW Artist #13 Islay Whisky

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