Benriach 30 Year Old 1979 vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Benriach 30 Year Old 1979
Benriach
£181
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Benriach 30 Year Old 1979 | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Benriach | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 47.9% | 56.5% |
| Age | 30 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £181.3 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Benriach 30 Year Old 1979
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Benriach 30 Year Old 1979
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Benriach 30 Year Old 1979 is better value at £181 vs £250.
For beginners: Benriach 30 Year Old 1979 is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Benriach 30 Year Old 1979
Pros
- +More affordable (£181.3 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
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 £181.3)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Benriach?
Benriach 30 Year Old 1979 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside 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 Benriach 30 Year Old 1979
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)