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)Carsebridge 46 Year Old 1973 (Thompson Bros.)
DistilleryLagavulinCarsebridge
RegionIslayLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltGrain
ABV56.5%57.1%
Age12 yr46 yr
Price£250£210
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Carsebridge 46 Year Old 1973 (Thompson Bros.)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness43/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Carsebridge 46 Year Old 1973 (Thompson Bros.)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Carsebridge 46 Year Old 1973 (Thompson Bros.)

SherriedDried FruitOld WoodToastedNutty

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