Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Garnheath 42 Year Old 1974 (cask 11093) - 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
Garnheath 42 Year Old 1974 (cask 11093) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Garnheath
£243
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | Garnheath 42 Year Old 1974 (cask 11093) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Garnheath |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 57.7% | 48.2% |
| Age | 12 yr | 42 yr |
| Price | £299 | £243.02 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Garnheath 42 Year Old 1974 (cask 11093) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Garnheath 42 Year Old 1974 (cask 11093) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Garnheath 42 Year Old 1974 (cask 11093) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is better value at £243 vs £299.
For beginners: Garnheath 42 Year Old 1974 (cask 11093) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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 £243.02)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Garnheath 42 Year Old 1974 (cask 11093) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +More affordable (£243.02 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (42 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 Garnheath?
Garnheath 42 Year Old 1974 (cask 11093) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Lowland character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Only Garnheath 42 Year Old 1974 (cask 11093) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)