Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Sand Dune Flowers 1990 (bottled 2019) - Wemyss Malts (Bunnahabhain)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Sand Dune Flowers 1990 (bottled 2019) - Wemyss Malts (Bunnahabhain)
DistilleryLagavulinBunnahabhain
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%46.5%
Age12 yr28 yr
Price£250£183.95
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Sand Dune Flowers 1990 (bottled 2019) - Wemyss Malts (Bunnahabhain)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Sand Dune Flowers 1990 (bottled 2019) - Wemyss Malts (Bunnahabhain)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Sand Dune Flowers 1990 (bottled 2019) - Wemyss Malts (Bunnahabhain) is better value at £184 vs £250.

For beginners: Sand Dune Flowers 1990 (bottled 2019) - Wemyss Malts (Bunnahabhain) is more approachable (40/100 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 £183.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Sand Dune Flowers 1990 (bottled 2019) - Wemyss Malts (Bunnahabhain)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£183.95 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (28 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 Sand?

Sand Dune Flowers 1990 (bottled 2019) - Wemyss Malts (Bunnahabhain) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeyMedicinalOily

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Kippery

Only Sand Dune Flowers 1990 (bottled 2019) - Wemyss Malts (Bunnahabhain)

LeatheryMossy

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