Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)
Banff
★ 5.00
£265
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Banff |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 41.8% |
| Age | 12 yr | 36 yr |
| Price | £250 | £265.32 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £265.
For beginners: Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£250 vs £265.32)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (36 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£265.32 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 Banff?
Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing) 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 Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)