Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Undisclosed Speyside 30 Year Old 1992 (cask 4823) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Undisclosed Speyside 30 Year Old 1992 (cask 4823) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)
DistilleryLagavulinAlistair Walker
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%45.2%
Age12 yr30 yr
Price£250£187.95
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value20/100

Undisclosed Speyside 30 Year Old 1992 (cask 4823) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Undisclosed Speyside 30 Year Old 1992 (cask 4823) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Undisclosed Speyside 30 Year Old 1992 (cask 4823) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker) is better value at £188 vs £250.

For beginners: Undisclosed Speyside 30 Year Old 1992 (cask 4823) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker) 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 £187.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Undisclosed Speyside 30 Year Old 1992 (cask 4823) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£187.95 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 12 years)
  • +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 Undisclosed?

Undisclosed Speyside 30 Year Old 1992 (cask 4823) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Undisclosed Speyside 30 Year Old 1992 (cask 4823) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)

Old WoodVanillaNew WoodToastedNutty

Explore more