Banff 23 Year Old 1979 (cask 476/499) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Banff 23 Year Old 1979 (cask 476/499) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)
Banff
£395
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Banff 23 Year Old 1979 (cask 476/499) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Banff | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 56.5% |
| Age | 23 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £395 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Banff 23 Year Old 1979 (cask 476/499) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Banff 23 Year Old 1979 (cask 476/499) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £395.
For beginners: Banff 23 Year Old 1979 (cask 476/499) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Banff 23 Year Old 1979 (cask 476/499) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£395 vs £250)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 affordable (£250 vs £395)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Banff?
Banff 23 Year Old 1979 (cask 476/499) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod) 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
Both taste of
Only Banff 23 Year Old 1979 (cask 476/499) - Chieftain's (Ian Macleod)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)