Side Burn Blended Malt 35 Year Old 1989 (Thompson Bros.) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Side Burn Blended Malt 35 Year Old 1989 (Thompson Bros.)
Thompson Bros.
£229
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
| Side Burn Blended Malt 35 Year Old 1989 (Thompson Bros.) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Thompson Bros. | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 51% | 57.7% |
| Age | 35 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £228.95 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Side Burn Blended Malt 35 Year Old 1989 (Thompson Bros.)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Side Burn Blended Malt 35 Year Old 1989 (Thompson Bros.)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Side Burn Blended Malt 35 Year Old 1989 (Thompson Bros.) is better value at £229 vs £299.
For beginners: Side Burn Blended Malt 35 Year Old 1989 (Thompson Bros.) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Side Burn Blended Malt 35 Year Old 1989 (Thompson Bros.)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£228.95 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (35 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (51%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
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 (57.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £228.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Side?
Side Burn Blended Malt 35 Year Old 1989 (Thompson Bros.) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary 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 Side Burn Blended Malt 35 Year Old 1989 (Thompson Bros.)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary