Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Balmenach 30 Year Old 1983 (cask 10162) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Balmenach 30 Year Old 1983 (cask 10162) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
Balmenach
£212
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Balmenach 30 Year Old 1983 (cask 10162) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Balmenach |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 52.8% |
| Age | 12 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £250 | £212.26 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Balmenach 30 Year Old 1983 (cask 10162) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Balmenach 30 Year Old 1983 (cask 10162) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Balmenach 30 Year Old 1983 (cask 10162) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) is better value at £212 vs £250.
For beginners: Balmenach 30 Year Old 1983 (cask 10162) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) 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 £212.26)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Balmenach 30 Year Old 1983 (cask 10162) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +More affordable (£212.26 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (52.8%) — may need water
- −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 Balmenach?
Balmenach 30 Year Old 1983 (cask 10162) - 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)
Only Balmenach 30 Year Old 1983 (cask 10162) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)