Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Invergordon 34 Year Old 1987 (cask 8107661) - Single Cask Series (The Red Cask Company)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Invergordon 34 Year Old 1987 (cask 8107661) - Single Cask Series (The Red Cask Company)
DistilleryLagavulinInvergordon
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltGrain
ABV56.5%57.2%
Age12 yr34 yr
Price£250£185
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Invergordon 34 Year Old 1987 (cask 8107661) - Single Cask Series (The Red Cask Company)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner50/100
Value27/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Invergordon 34 Year Old 1987 (cask 8107661) - Single Cask Series (The Red Cask Company)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Invergordon 34 Year Old 1987 (cask 8107661) - Single Cask Series (The Red Cask Company) is better value at £185 vs £250.

For beginners: Invergordon 34 Year Old 1987 (cask 8107661) - Single Cask Series (The Red Cask Company) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £185)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Invergordon 34 Year Old 1987 (cask 8107661) - Single Cask Series (The Red Cask Company)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£185 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (34 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.2%) — may need water
  • 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 Invergordon?

Invergordon 34 Year Old 1987 (cask 8107661) - Single Cask Series (The Red Cask Company) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Invergordon 34 Year Old 1987 (cask 8107661) - Single Cask Series (The Red Cask Company)

SherriedHoneyVanillaOld WoodToasted

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