Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Carsebridge 46 Year Old 1973 (Thompson Bros.)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250

Carsebridge 46 Year Old 1973 (Thompson Bros.)
Carsebridge
£210
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Carsebridge 46 Year Old 1973 (Thompson Bros.) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Carsebridge |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 56.5% | 57.1% |
| Age | 12 yr | 46 yr |
| Price | £250 | £210 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Carsebridge 46 Year Old 1973 (Thompson Bros.)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Carsebridge 46 Year Old 1973 (Thompson Bros.)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Carsebridge 46 Year Old 1973 (Thompson Bros.) is better value at £210 vs £250.
For beginners: Carsebridge 46 Year Old 1973 (Thompson Bros.) 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 £210)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Carsebridge 46 Year Old 1973 (Thompson Bros.)
Pros
- +More affordable (£210 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (46 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (57.1%) — 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 Carsebridge?
Carsebridge 46 Year Old 1973 (Thompson Bros.) 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 Carsebridge 46 Year Old 1973 (Thompson Bros.)