Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Cambus 29 Year Old 1991 (cask 103023) - Exceptional Casks (Berry Bros. & Rudd)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Cambus 29 Year Old 1991 (cask 103023) - Exceptional Casks (Berry Bros. & Rudd)
DistilleryLagavulinCambus
RegionIslayLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltGrain
ABV56.5%49.9%
Age12 yr29 yr
Price£250£203.16
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Cambus 29 Year Old 1991 (cask 103023) - Exceptional Casks (Berry Bros. & Rudd)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Cambus 29 Year Old 1991 (cask 103023) - Exceptional Casks (Berry Bros. & Rudd)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Cambus 29 Year Old 1991 (cask 103023) - Exceptional Casks (Berry Bros. & Rudd) is better value at £203 vs £250.

For beginners: Cambus 29 Year Old 1991 (cask 103023) - Exceptional Casks (Berry Bros. & Rudd) 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 £203.16)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Cambus 29 Year Old 1991 (cask 103023) - Exceptional Casks (Berry Bros. & Rudd)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£203.16 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (29 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

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 Cambus?

Cambus 29 Year Old 1991 (cask 103023) - Exceptional Casks (Berry Bros. & Rudd) 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)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Cambus 29 Year Old 1991 (cask 103023) - Exceptional Casks (Berry Bros. & Rudd)

SherriedDried FruitHoneyOld WoodNutty

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