Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Bladnoch 16 Year Old 1992 (Murray McDavid)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250

Bladnoch 16 Year Old 1992 (Murray McDavid)
Bladnoch
£200
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Bladnoch 16 Year Old 1992 (Murray McDavid) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Bladnoch |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | 16 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Bladnoch 16 Year Old 1992 (Murray McDavid)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Bladnoch 16 Year Old 1992 (Murray McDavid)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Bladnoch 16 Year Old 1992 (Murray McDavid) is better value at £200 vs £250.
For beginners: Bladnoch 16 Year Old 1992 (Murray McDavid) is more approachable (60/100 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 £199.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Bladnoch 16 Year Old 1992 (Murray McDavid)
Pros
- +More affordable (£199.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (16 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 Bladnoch?
Bladnoch 16 Year Old 1992 (Murray McDavid) 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 Bladnoch 16 Year Old 1992 (Murray McDavid)