Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release) vs The Macallan 15 Year Old Gran Reserva (2017 Release)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)
Laphroaig
★ 5.00
£1500

The Macallan 15 Year Old Gran Reserva (2017 Release)
The Macallan
★ 5.00
£2000
| Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release) | The Macallan 15 Year Old Gran Reserva (2017 Release) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Laphroaig | The Macallan |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46.6% | 43% |
| Age | 32 yr | 15 yr |
| Price | £1500 | £1999.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)
The Macallan 15 Year Old Gran Reserva (2017 Release)
Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)
The Macallan 15 Year Old Gran Reserva (2017 Release)
Quick verdict
Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release) is better value at £1500 vs £2000.
For beginners: The Macallan 15 Year Old Gran Reserva (2017 Release) is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£1500 vs £1999.95)
- +Longer maturation (32 vs 15 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Niche style — may not suit all palates
The Macallan 15 Year Old Gran Reserva (2017 Release)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −More expensive (£1999.95 vs £1500)
- −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 The?
The Macallan 15 Year Old Gran Reserva (2017 Release) 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
Only Laphroaig 32 Year Old (2015 Release)
Only The Macallan 15 Year Old Gran Reserva (2017 Release)