Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)
Caol Ila
£189
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Caol Ila |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 53.8% |
| Age | 12 yr | 29 yr |
| Price | £250 | £188.71 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £189 vs £250.
For beginners: Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (30/100 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 £188.71)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£188.71 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (29 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (53.8%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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 Caol?
Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (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
Both taste of
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)
Where to buy
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange