Laphroaig 8 Year Old 2016 (Thompson Bros.) vs Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Laphroaig 8 Year Old 2016 (Thompson Bros.)
Laphroaig
£50

Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011
Bruichladdich
★ 5.00
£67
| Laphroaig 8 Year Old 2016 (Thompson Bros.) | Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Laphroaig | Bruichladdich |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.1% | 50% |
| Age | 8 yr | 6 yr |
| Price | £49.95 | £66.95 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Laphroaig 8 Year Old 2016 (Thompson Bros.)
Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011
Laphroaig 8 Year Old 2016 (Thompson Bros.)
Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011
Quick verdict
Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011 is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Laphroaig 8 Year Old 2016 (Thompson Bros.) is better value at £50 vs £67.
For beginners: Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011 is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Laphroaig 8 Year Old 2016 (Thompson Bros.)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£49.95 vs £66.95)
- +Longer maturation (8 vs 6 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.1%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011
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 (£66.95 vs £49.95)
Who should buy Laphroaig?
Laphroaig 8 Year Old 2016 (Thompson Bros.) 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 Port?
Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Laphroaig 8 Year Old 2016 (Thompson Bros.)
Only Port Charlotte Islay Barley 2011