Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Tullibardine 28 Year Old 1993 (Thompson Bros.) (47.6%)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Tullibardine 28 Year Old 1993 (Thompson Bros.) (47.6%)
Tullibardine
£185
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Tullibardine 28 Year Old 1993 (Thompson Bros.) (47.6%) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Tullibardine |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 47.6% |
| Age | 12 yr | 28 yr |
| Price | £250 | £184.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Tullibardine 28 Year Old 1993 (Thompson Bros.) (47.6%)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Tullibardine 28 Year Old 1993 (Thompson Bros.) (47.6%)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Tullibardine 28 Year Old 1993 (Thompson Bros.) (47.6%) is better value at £185 vs £250.
For beginners: Tullibardine 28 Year Old 1993 (Thompson Bros.) (47.6%) 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 £184.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Tullibardine 28 Year Old 1993 (Thompson Bros.) (47.6%)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£184.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (28 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 Tullibardine?
Tullibardine 28 Year Old 1993 (Thompson Bros.) (47.6%) 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)
Only Tullibardine 28 Year Old 1993 (Thompson Bros.) (47.6%)