Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Coastal Embrace 28 Year Old 1995 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Coastal Embrace 28 Year Old 1995 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)
DistilleryLagavulinMurray McDavid
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV56.5%47.5%
Age12 yr28 yr
Price£250£189.9
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value20/100

Coastal Embrace 28 Year Old 1995 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Coastal Embrace 28 Year Old 1995 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Coastal Embrace 28 Year Old 1995 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid) is better value at £190 vs £250.

For beginners: Coastal Embrace 28 Year Old 1995 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid) is more approachable (60/100 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 £189.9)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Coastal Embrace 28 Year Old 1995 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£189.9 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (28 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 Coastal?

Coastal Embrace 28 Year Old 1995 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Smokey

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

MedicinalOilyKippery

Only Coastal Embrace 28 Year Old 1995 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)

SherriedDried FruitHoneyLeathery

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