Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Cambus 26 Year Old 1988 (cask 11116) - Sovereign (Hunter Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Cambus 26 Year Old 1988 (cask 11116) - Sovereign (Hunter Laing)
Cambus
★ 4.00
£200
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Cambus 26 Year Old 1988 (cask 11116) - Sovereign (Hunter Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Cambus |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 56.5% | 46.9% |
| Age | 12 yr | 26 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Cambus 26 Year Old 1988 (cask 11116) - Sovereign (Hunter Laing)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Cambus 26 Year Old 1988 (cask 11116) - Sovereign (Hunter Laing)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).
Cambus 26 Year Old 1988 (cask 11116) - Sovereign (Hunter Laing) is better value at £200 vs £250.
For beginners: Cambus 26 Year Old 1988 (cask 11116) - Sovereign (Hunter Laing) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £199.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Cambus 26 Year Old 1988 (cask 11116) - Sovereign (Hunter Laing)
Pros
- +More affordable (£199.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (26 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.0 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 Cambus?
Cambus 26 Year Old 1988 (cask 11116) - Sovereign (Hunter Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Lowland character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Cambus 26 Year Old 1988 (cask 11116) - Sovereign (Hunter Laing)