Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Cameronbridge 35 Year Old 1978 (cask 396999) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Cameronbridge 35 Year Old 1978 (cask 396999) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)
Cameron Bridge
£184
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Cameronbridge 35 Year Old 1978 (cask 396999) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Cameron Bridge |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 56.5% | 53.9% |
| Age | 12 yr | 35 yr |
| Price | £250 | £184.34 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Cameronbridge 35 Year Old 1978 (cask 396999) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Cameronbridge 35 Year Old 1978 (cask 396999) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Cameronbridge 35 Year Old 1978 (cask 396999) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £184 vs £250.
For beginners: Cameronbridge 35 Year Old 1978 (cask 396999) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (60/100 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 £184.34)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Cameronbridge 35 Year Old 1978 (cask 396999) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£184.34 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (35 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (53.9%) — 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 Cameronbridge?
Cameronbridge 35 Year Old 1978 (cask 396999) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Cameronbridge 35 Year Old 1978 (cask 396999) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)