Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Cameronbridge 43 Year Old 1978 (cask 15232) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Cameronbridge 43 Year Old 1978 (cask 15232) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Cameron Bridge
★ 5.00
£323
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Cameronbridge 43 Year Old 1978 (cask 15232) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Cameron Bridge |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 56.5% | 53.1% |
| Age | 12 yr | 43 yr |
| Price | £250 | £323.48 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Cameronbridge 43 Year Old 1978 (cask 15232) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Cameronbridge 43 Year Old 1978 (cask 15232) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £323.
For beginners: Cameronbridge 43 Year Old 1978 (cask 15232) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£250 vs £323.48)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Cameronbridge 43 Year Old 1978 (cask 15232) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (43 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (53.1%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£323.48 vs £250)
- −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 Cameronbridge?
Cameronbridge 43 Year Old 1978 (cask 15232) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Cameronbridge 43 Year Old 1978 (cask 15232) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Where to buy
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Cameronbridge 43 Year Old 1978 (cask 15232) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange