Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Blended Grain 44 Year Old 1976 (Thompson Bros.)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
Blended Grain 44 Year Old 1976 (Thompson Bros.)
Thompson Bros.
£220
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | Blended Grain 44 Year Old 1976 (Thompson Bros.) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Thompson Bros. |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 57.7% | 44.8% |
| Age | 12 yr | 44 yr |
| Price | £299 | £220 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Blended Grain 44 Year Old 1976 (Thompson Bros.)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Blended Grain 44 Year Old 1976 (Thompson Bros.)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Blended Grain 44 Year Old 1976 (Thompson Bros.) is better value at £220 vs £299.
For beginners: Blended Grain 44 Year Old 1976 (Thompson Bros.) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
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 £220)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Blended Grain 44 Year Old 1976 (Thompson Bros.)
Pros
- +More affordable (£220 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (44 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
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.
Who should buy Blended?
Blended Grain 44 Year Old 1976 (Thompson Bros.) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Grain character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Only Blended Grain 44 Year Old 1976 (Thompson Bros.)