Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Invergordon 31 Year Old 1990 (cask 520004) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Invergordon 31 Year Old 1990 (cask 520004) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)
Invergordon
£192
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Invergordon 31 Year Old 1990 (cask 520004) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Invergordon |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 56.5% | 45.9% |
| Age | 12 yr | 31 yr |
| Price | £250 | £191.51 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Invergordon 31 Year Old 1990 (cask 520004) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Invergordon 31 Year Old 1990 (cask 520004) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Invergordon 31 Year Old 1990 (cask 520004) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £192 vs £250.
For beginners: Invergordon 31 Year Old 1990 (cask 520004) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (75/100 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 £191.51)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Invergordon 31 Year Old 1990 (cask 520004) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£191.51 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (31 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 Invergordon?
Invergordon 31 Year Old 1990 (cask 520004) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Invergordon 31 Year Old 1990 (cask 520004) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)