Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 06:19 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Explore the distinctions between Laphroaig 15 and Laphroaig 16 in this comprehensive comparison and determine which Single Malt suits your preferences best!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Laphroaig 15 vs Laphroaig 16: Comparison
Laphroaig 15: Smoky with peach, spice, seaweed, peat. Palate includes peat, vanilla, chocolate. Smoke, vanilla finish. Add water. 86 proof.
Laphroaig 16: Boldly smoky with iodine, vanilla, oak. Peat, fruit, vanilla palate. Ash, seaweed, caramel finish. Add water. 96 proof.
Verdict: Both Laphroaig 15 and Laphroaig 16 offer rich, peat-forward experiences. Laphroaig 15 brings a fruity twist to its classic smoke, while Laphroaig 16 delivers a bold, smoky journey with a balanced sweetness, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best of Laphroaig Whisky
Laphroaig 15: A Fruity Twist on Classic Smoke
- Nose: Peach, baking spice, seaweed, peat, iodine
- Palate: Peat, vanilla, chocolate, caramel, almond
- Finish: Smoke, vanilla, mineral
- Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
Laphroaig 15 offers a unique twist on the distillery’s iconic smoky style, presenting a deliciously rich and approachable dram.
Aromatic Intrigue:
- The initial scent surprises with ripe peach notes, followed by intriguing hints of baking spice, seaweed, peat, and iodine.
Balanced and Approachable:
- The palate boasts a medium body due to the lower alcohol content, making it a smooth and easy sipper.
Fruity Delight:
- The flavor profile showcases a delightful combination of light smoky peat balanced with rich tropical fruit notes, alongside hints of vanilla, chocolate, caramel, and almond.
Lingering Smoothness:
- The finish extends with a good length, featuring lingering notes of smoke, vanilla, and a mineral richness, with minimal heat.
Taming the Smoke, Embracing the Fruit:
- Compared to younger Laphroaig expressions, the 15-year-old undergoes a transformation, offering significantly reduced smoke and enhanced fruity character, making it considerably more approachable for a wider audience.
Exceptional Value:
- Despite its lower proof, Laphroaig 15 maintains a rich and complex flavor profile, resulting in a smooth and sophisticated dram.
Price Point Advantage:
- Notably, this whisky is competitively priced, making it an excellent value for those seeking a new and exciting whisky experience.
Additional Notes:
- Aged in bourbon barrels, contributing to the unique flavor profile with hints of vanilla and caramel.
- Chosen by the Prince of Wales for the Erskine Charity Bottling, adding to its historical significance.
Laphroaig 16: A Bold Smoky Journey for Peat Enthusiasts
- Nose: Iodine, smoke, vanilla, oak
- Palate: Peat, ripe fruit, vanilla, clove, seaweed
- Finish: Ash, seaweed, caramel
- Alcohol content: 96 proof (48% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Laphroaig 18
Laphroaig 16 is a single malt Scotch whisky renowned for its boldly smoky character. This expression offers a dense and satisfying mouthfeel, making it a favorite among peat enthusiasts.
Aromatic Profile:
- Classic Laphroaig notes of iodine and smoke take center stage, followed by hints of vanilla and oak, creating a complex aroma.
Rich and Smoky Flavor:
- The first sip delivers a powerful combination of peat, caramel, and vanilla, with a touch of clove and seaweed.
Lingering Warmth:
- The finish extends with a smooth, gentle warmth, leaving behind lingering flavors of smoke, caramel, ash, and seaweed.
Balancing Smoke with Sweetness:
- Despite its bold smoky profile, Laphroaig 16 manages to find a balance with hints of sweetness, making it a well-rounded and enjoyable dram.
Considerations:
- While the Laphroaig 16 boasts a rich, full-bodied flavor and avoids harshness, it carries a higher price point compared to some other popular whiskies.
Exploring the Laphroaig Range:
- If you’re seeking a similar price range with a bolder and richer experience, consider exploring alternatives within the Laphroaig range, such as the Laphroaig Lore.
Additional Notes:
- This whisky matures in first-fill bourbon barrels, contributing to its rich and complex flavor profile.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Laphroaig 15 | $80 |
| Laphroaig 16 | $130 |