Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Macduff 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)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Macduff 40 Year Old 1968 - Peerless (Duncan Taylor)
Macduff
£185
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Macduff 40 Year Old 1968 - Peerless (Duncan Taylor) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Macduff |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 48.4% |
| Age | 12 yr | 40 yr |
| Price | £250 | £184.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Macduff 40 Year Old 1968 - Peerless (Duncan Taylor)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Macduff 40 Year Old 1968 - Peerless (Duncan Taylor)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Macduff 40 Year Old 1968 - Peerless (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £185 vs £250.
For beginners: Macduff 40 Year Old 1968 - Peerless (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (55/100 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 £184.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Macduff 40 Year Old 1968 - Peerless (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +More affordable (£184.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (40 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
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 Macduff?
Macduff 40 Year Old 1968 - Peerless (Duncan Taylor) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Macduff 40 Year Old 1968 - Peerless (Duncan Taylor)