Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Cambus 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 1909948/53/57) - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250

Cambus 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 1909948/53/57) - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)
Cambus
£183
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Cambus 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 1909948/53/57) - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Cambus |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 56.5% | 47.8% |
| Age | 12 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £250 | £182.99 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Cambus 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 1909948/53/57) - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Cambus 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 1909948/53/57) - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Cambus 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 1909948/53/57) - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid) is better value at £183 vs £250.
For beginners: Cambus 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 1909948/53/57) - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid) 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 £182.99)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Cambus 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 1909948/53/57) - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)
Pros
- +More affordable (£182.99 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
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 Cambus?
Cambus 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 1909948/53/57) - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Lowland character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Cambus 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 1909948/53/57) - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)