Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Allt-á-Bhainne 28 Year Old 1996 (Thompson Bros.)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th AnniversaryAllt-á-Bhainne 28 Year Old 1996 (Thompson Bros.)
DistilleryLagavulinAllt-á-Bhainne
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.7%49.1%
Age12 yr28 yr
Price£299£224.95
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value17/100

Allt-á-Bhainne 28 Year Old 1996 (Thompson Bros.)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness43/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Allt-á-Bhainne 28 Year Old 1996 (Thompson Bros.)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Allt-á-Bhainne 28 Year Old 1996 (Thompson Bros.) is better value at £225 vs £299.

For beginners: Allt-á-Bhainne 28 Year Old 1996 (Thompson Bros.) is more approachable (55/100 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 £224.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Allt-á-Bhainne 28 Year Old 1996 (Thompson Bros.)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£224.95 vs £299)
  • +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

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 Allt-á-Bhainne?

Allt-á-Bhainne 28 Year Old 1996 (Thompson Bros.) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

SmokeyMedicinalOilyLeathery

Only Allt-á-Bhainne 28 Year Old 1996 (Thompson Bros.)

SherriedDried FruitOld WoodToastedNutty

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