Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Cambus 30 Year Old 1988 (WM Cadenhead)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Cambus 30 Year Old 1988 (WM Cadenhead)
Cambus
£199
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Cambus 30 Year Old 1988 (WM Cadenhead) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Cambus |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 56.5% | 45.5% |
| Age | 12 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Cambus 30 Year Old 1988 (WM Cadenhead)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Cambus 30 Year Old 1988 (WM Cadenhead)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Cambus 30 Year Old 1988 (WM Cadenhead) is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Cambus 30 Year Old 1988 (WM Cadenhead) is more approachable (75/100 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)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Cambus 30 Year Old 1988 (WM Cadenhead)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (30 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 Cambus?
Cambus 30 Year Old 1988 (WM Cadenhead) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Cambus 30 Year Old 1988 (WM Cadenhead)