Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Strathisla 42 Year Old 1968 - Peerless (Duncan Taylor)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Strathisla 42 Year Old 1968 - Peerless (Duncan Taylor)
Strathisla
£202
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Strathisla 42 Year Old 1968 - Peerless (Duncan Taylor) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Strathisla |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 42.2% |
| Age | 12 yr | 42 yr |
| Price | £250 | £202.44 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Strathisla 42 Year Old 1968 - Peerless (Duncan Taylor)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Strathisla 42 Year Old 1968 - Peerless (Duncan Taylor)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Strathisla 42 Year Old 1968 - Peerless (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £202 vs £250.
For beginners: Strathisla 42 Year Old 1968 - Peerless (Duncan Taylor) 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
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £202.44)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Strathisla 42 Year Old 1968 - Peerless (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£202.44 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (42 vs 12 years)
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 Strathisla?
Strathisla 42 Year Old 1968 - Peerless (Duncan Taylor) 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 Strathisla 42 Year Old 1968 - Peerless (Duncan Taylor)