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)Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryDuncan TaylorLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV45.2%56.5%
Age42 yr12 yr
Price£186.12£250
Rating5.00/5

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

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value20/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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)

Old WoodSherriedDried FruitTobacco

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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