Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Tormore 26 Year Old 1988 (cask 4176) - Mackillop's Choice
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Tormore 26 Year Old 1988 (cask 4176) - Mackillop's Choice
Tormore
£182
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Tormore 26 Year Old 1988 (cask 4176) - Mackillop's Choice | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Tormore |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 55.6% |
| Age | 12 yr | 26 yr |
| Price | £250 | £181.64 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Tormore 26 Year Old 1988 (cask 4176) - Mackillop's Choice
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Tormore 26 Year Old 1988 (cask 4176) - Mackillop's Choice
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Tormore 26 Year Old 1988 (cask 4176) - Mackillop's Choice is better value at £182 vs £250.
For beginners: Tormore 26 Year Old 1988 (cask 4176) - Mackillop's Choice is more approachable (35/100 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 £181.64)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Tormore 26 Year Old 1988 (cask 4176) - Mackillop's Choice
Pros
- +More affordable (£181.64 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (26 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (55.6%) — 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 Tormore?
Tormore 26 Year Old 1988 (cask 4176) - Mackillop's Choice 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 Tormore 26 Year Old 1988 (cask 4176) - Mackillop's Choice