Iconic Speyside 42 Year Old 1966 - Peerless (Duncan Taylor) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Iconic Speyside 42 Year Old 1966 - Peerless (Duncan Taylor)
Duncan Taylor
£186

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Iconic Speyside 42 Year Old 1966 - Peerless (Duncan Taylor) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Duncan Taylor | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 45.2% | 56.5% |
| Age | 42 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £186.12 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Iconic Speyside 42 Year Old 1966 - Peerless (Duncan Taylor)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Iconic Speyside 42 Year Old 1966 - Peerless (Duncan Taylor)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Iconic Speyside 42 Year Old 1966 - Peerless (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £186 vs £250.
For beginners: Iconic Speyside 42 Year Old 1966 - Peerless (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Iconic Speyside 42 Year Old 1966 - Peerless (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +More affordable (£186.12 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (42 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
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 (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £186.12)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Iconic?
Iconic Speyside 42 Year Old 1966 - Peerless (Duncan Taylor) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) 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.
Tasting notes
Only Iconic Speyside 42 Year Old 1966 - Peerless (Duncan Taylor)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)