Sandy Macdonald / Bot.1950s Blended Scotch Whisky vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Sandy Macdonald / Bot.1950s Blended Scotch Whisky
Sandy Macdonald
£375
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Sandy Macdonald / Bot.1950s Blended Scotch Whisky | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Sandy Macdonald | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 56.5% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £375 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Sandy Macdonald / Bot.1950s Blended Scotch Whisky
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Sandy Macdonald / Bot.1950s Blended Scotch Whisky
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £375.
For beginners: Sandy Macdonald / Bot.1950s Blended Scotch Whisky is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Sandy Macdonald / Bot.1950s Blended Scotch Whisky
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£375 vs £250)
- −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 affordable (£250 vs £375)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Sandy?
Sandy Macdonald / Bot.1950s Blended Scotch Whisky 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 Sandy Macdonald / Bot.1950s Blended Scotch Whisky
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)