Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Caperdonich 41 Year Old 1969 Cask 3254 - Rarest of the Rare (Duncan Taylor)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Caperdonich 41 Year Old 1969 Cask 3254 - Rarest of the Rare (Duncan Taylor)
Caperdonich
£200
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Caperdonich 41 Year Old 1969 Cask 3254 - Rarest of the Rare (Duncan Taylor) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Caperdonich |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 40.3% |
| Age | 12 yr | 41 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Caperdonich 41 Year Old 1969 Cask 3254 - Rarest of the Rare (Duncan Taylor)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Caperdonich 41 Year Old 1969 Cask 3254 - Rarest of the Rare (Duncan Taylor)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caperdonich 41 Year Old 1969 Cask 3254 - Rarest of the Rare (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £200 vs £250.
For beginners: Caperdonich 41 Year Old 1969 Cask 3254 - Rarest of the Rare (Duncan Taylor) 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 £199.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Caperdonich 41 Year Old 1969 Cask 3254 - Rarest of the Rare (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£199.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (41 vs 12 years)
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 Caperdonich?
Caperdonich 41 Year Old 1969 Cask 3254 - Rarest of the Rare (Duncan Taylor) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Caperdonich 41 Year Old 1969 Cask 3254 - Rarest of the Rare (Duncan Taylor)