Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs North British 33 Year Old 1988 (cask 15430) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
North British 33 Year Old 1988 (cask 15430) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
North British
£225
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | North British 33 Year Old 1988 (cask 15430) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | North British |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 57.7% | 48.6% |
| Age | 12 yr | 33 yr |
| Price | £299 | £225 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
North British 33 Year Old 1988 (cask 15430) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
North British 33 Year Old 1988 (cask 15430) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
North British 33 Year Old 1988 (cask 15430) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is better value at £225 vs £299.
For beginners: North British 33 Year Old 1988 (cask 15430) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (70/100 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 £225)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
North British 33 Year Old 1988 (cask 15430) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£225 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (33 vs 12 years)
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 North?
North British 33 Year Old 1988 (cask 15430) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Only North British 33 Year Old 1988 (cask 15430) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)