Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Macduff 27 Year Old 1991 (cask 4584) - Dun Bheagan (Ian Macleod)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Macduff 27 Year Old 1991 (cask 4584) - Dun Bheagan (Ian Macleod)
DistilleryLagavulinMacduff
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%49%
Age12 yr27 yr
Price£250£183.24
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Macduff 27 Year Old 1991 (cask 4584) - Dun Bheagan (Ian Macleod)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Macduff 27 Year Old 1991 (cask 4584) - Dun Bheagan (Ian Macleod)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Macduff 27 Year Old 1991 (cask 4584) - Dun Bheagan (Ian Macleod) is better value at £183 vs £250.

For beginners: Macduff 27 Year Old 1991 (cask 4584) - Dun Bheagan (Ian Macleod) is more approachable (55/100 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 £183.24)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Macduff 27 Year Old 1991 (cask 4584) - Dun Bheagan (Ian Macleod)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£183.24 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (27 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

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 Macduff?

Macduff 27 Year Old 1991 (cask 4584) - Dun Bheagan (Ian Macleod) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Macduff 27 Year Old 1991 (cask 4584) - Dun Bheagan (Ian Macleod)

SherriedOld WoodDried FruitLeatheryChocolate

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