Tormore 26 Year Old 1995 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Tormore 26 Year Old 1995 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryTormoreLagavulin
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV44.1%56.5%
Age26 yr12 yr
Price£189.95£250
Rating5.00/5

Tormore 26 Year Old 1995 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Tormore 26 Year Old 1995 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)

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).

Tormore 26 Year Old 1995 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid) is better value at £190 vs £250.

For beginners: Tormore 26 Year Old 1995 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Tormore 26 Year Old 1995 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£189.95 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (26 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 £189.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Tormore?

Tormore 26 Year Old 1995 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid) 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 Tormore 26 Year Old 1995 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)

SherriedDried FruitToastedOld Wood

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Explore more