Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Strathmill 26 Year Old 1974 (cask 1228) - First Cask
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Strathmill 26 Year Old 1974 (cask 1228) - First Cask
Strathmill
£299
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Strathmill 26 Year Old 1974 (cask 1228) - First Cask | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Strathmill |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | 26 yr |
| Price | £250 | £299 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Strathmill 26 Year Old 1974 (cask 1228) - First Cask
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Strathmill 26 Year Old 1974 (cask 1228) - First Cask
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £299.
For beginners: Strathmill 26 Year Old 1974 (cask 1228) - First Cask 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 affordable (£250 vs £299)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Strathmill 26 Year Old 1974 (cask 1228) - First Cask
Pros
- +Longer maturation (26 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£299 vs £250)
- −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 Strathmill?
Strathmill 26 Year Old 1974 (cask 1228) - First Cask suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Strathmill 26 Year Old 1974 (cask 1228) - First Cask