Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Carsebridge 52 Year Old - Batch 1 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th AnniversaryCarsebridge 52 Year Old - Batch 1 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
DistilleryLagavulinCarsebridge
RegionIslayLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltGrain
ABV57.7%40.5%
Age12 yr52 yr
Price£299£231.95
Rating5.00/55.00/5

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

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

Carsebridge 52 Year Old - Batch 1 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner70/100
Value22/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Carsebridge 52 Year Old - Batch 1 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Carsebridge 52 Year Old - Batch 1 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is better value at £232 vs £299.

For beginners: Carsebridge 52 Year Old - Batch 1 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

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

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£299 vs £231.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Carsebridge 52 Year Old - Batch 1 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£231.95 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (52 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • 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 Carsebridge?

Carsebridge 52 Year Old - Batch 1 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) 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

SmokeyMedicinalOilyLeathery

Only Carsebridge 52 Year Old - Batch 1 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)

Old WoodMalt ExtractHoneyNuttyTobacco

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