Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs North British 50 Year Old 1962 (cask 8228) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)North British 50 Year Old 1962 (cask 8228) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryLagavulinNorth British
RegionIslayLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltGrain
ABV56.5%57.1%
Age12 yr50 yr
Price£250£359.95
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

North British 50 Year Old 1962 (cask 8228) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

North British 50 Year Old 1962 (cask 8228) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £360.

For beginners: North British 50 Year Old 1962 (cask 8228) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (35/100 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 affordable (£250 vs £359.95)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

North British 50 Year Old 1962 (cask 8228) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (50 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.1%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£359.95 vs £250)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 North?

North British 50 Year Old 1962 (cask 8228) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) 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.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only North British 50 Year Old 1962 (cask 8228) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)

Old WoodNuttyHoneySherriedLeathery

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