Fettercairn 28 Year Old 1988 - The Nectar of the Daily Drams vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Fettercairn 28 Year Old 1988 - The Nectar of the Daily DramsLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryFettercairnLagavulin
RegionHighlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48.9%56.5%
Age28 yr12 yr
Price£199£250
Rating5.00/5

Fettercairn 28 Year Old 1988 - The Nectar of the Daily Drams

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value20/100

Fettercairn 28 Year Old 1988 - The Nectar of the Daily Drams

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Fettercairn 28 Year Old 1988 - The Nectar of the Daily Drams is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: Fettercairn 28 Year Old 1988 - The Nectar of the Daily Drams is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Fettercairn 28 Year Old 1988 - The Nectar of the Daily Drams

Pros

  • +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (28 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

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 £199)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Fettercairn?

Fettercairn 28 Year Old 1988 - The Nectar of the Daily Drams suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

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 Fettercairn 28 Year Old 1988 - The Nectar of the Daily Drams

Old WoodSherriedNuttyDried FruitTobacco

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Explore more