Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs North British 35 Year Old 1988 (cask 17848) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
North British 35 Year Old 1988 (cask 17848) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
North British
£202
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | North British 35 Year Old 1988 (cask 17848) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | North British |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 56.5% | 41.9% |
| Age | 12 yr | 35 yr |
| Price | £250 | £202.38 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
North British 35 Year Old 1988 (cask 17848) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
North British 35 Year Old 1988 (cask 17848) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
North British 35 Year Old 1988 (cask 17848) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is better value at £202 vs £250.
For beginners: North British 35 Year Old 1988 (cask 17848) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
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 £202.38)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
North British 35 Year Old 1988 (cask 17848) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£202.38 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (35 vs 12 years)
- +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 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.
Who should buy North?
North British 35 Year Old 1988 (cask 17848) - 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 2017)
Only North British 35 Year Old 1988 (cask 17848) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)