Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Old Rhosdhu 28 Year Old 1994 - Cask Noir (Brave New Spirits)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Old Rhosdhu 28 Year Old 1994 - Cask Noir (Brave New Spirits)
Loch Lomond
£193
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Old Rhosdhu 28 Year Old 1994 - Cask Noir (Brave New Spirits) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Loch Lomond |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 48.6% |
| Age | 12 yr | 28 yr |
| Price | £250 | £193.03 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Old Rhosdhu 28 Year Old 1994 - Cask Noir (Brave New Spirits)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Old Rhosdhu 28 Year Old 1994 - Cask Noir (Brave New Spirits)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Old Rhosdhu 28 Year Old 1994 - Cask Noir (Brave New Spirits) is better value at £193 vs £250.
For beginners: Old Rhosdhu 28 Year Old 1994 - Cask Noir (Brave New Spirits) 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 £193.03)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Old Rhosdhu 28 Year Old 1994 - Cask Noir (Brave New Spirits)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£193.03 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (28 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 Old?
Old Rhosdhu 28 Year Old 1994 - Cask Noir (Brave New Spirits) 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
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Old Rhosdhu 28 Year Old 1994 - Cask Noir (Brave New Spirits)