Bladnoch 16 Year Old 1980 (cask 89/591/14) - First Cask vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bladnoch 16 Year Old 1980 (cask 89/591/14) - First Cask
Bladnoch
£195
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Bladnoch 16 Year Old 1980 (cask 89/591/14) - First Cask | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bladnoch | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 56.5% |
| Age | 16 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £195 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Bladnoch 16 Year Old 1980 (cask 89/591/14) - First Cask
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Bladnoch 16 Year Old 1980 (cask 89/591/14) - First Cask
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Bladnoch 16 Year Old 1980 (cask 89/591/14) - First Cask is better value at £195 vs £250.
For beginners: Bladnoch 16 Year Old 1980 (cask 89/591/14) - First Cask is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Bladnoch 16 Year Old 1980 (cask 89/591/14) - First Cask
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£195 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (16 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £195)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Bladnoch?
Bladnoch 16 Year Old 1980 (cask 89/591/14) - First Cask 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.
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) 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.
Tasting notes
Only Bladnoch 16 Year Old 1980 (cask 89/591/14) - First Cask
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)