Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Caperdonich 40 Year Old 1968 - Peerless (Duncan Taylor)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Caperdonich 40 Year Old 1968 - Peerless (Duncan Taylor)
DistilleryLagavulinCaperdonich
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%52%
Age12 yr40 yr
Price£250£224.95
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Caperdonich 40 Year Old 1968 - Peerless (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness43/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Caperdonich 40 Year Old 1968 - Peerless (Duncan Taylor)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Caperdonich 40 Year Old 1968 - Peerless (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £225 vs £250.

For beginners: Caperdonich 40 Year Old 1968 - Peerless (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (45/100 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 £224.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Caperdonich 40 Year Old 1968 - Peerless (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£224.95 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (40 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (52%) — 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 Caperdonich?

Caperdonich 40 Year Old 1968 - Peerless (Duncan Taylor) 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 Caperdonich 40 Year Old 1968 - Peerless (Duncan Taylor)

Old WoodSherriedLeatheryNuttyToasted

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