Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Burnside 27 Year Old 1996 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.87 (Decadent Drinks)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Burnside 27 Year Old 1996 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.87 (Decadent Drinks)
Burnside
£185
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Burnside 27 Year Old 1996 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.87 (Decadent Drinks) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Burnside |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 53.9% |
| Age | 12 yr | 27 yr |
| Price | £250 | £184.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Burnside 27 Year Old 1996 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.87 (Decadent Drinks)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Burnside 27 Year Old 1996 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.87 (Decadent Drinks)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Burnside 27 Year Old 1996 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.87 (Decadent Drinks) is better value at £185 vs £250.
For beginners: Burnside 27 Year Old 1996 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.87 (Decadent Drinks) is more approachable (45/100 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 £184.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Burnside 27 Year Old 1996 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.87 (Decadent Drinks)
Pros
- +More affordable (£184.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (27 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (53.9%) — may need water
- −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 Burnside?
Burnside 27 Year Old 1996 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.87 (Decadent Drinks) 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 Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Burnside 27 Year Old 1996 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.87 (Decadent Drinks)