Lagavulin 11 Year Old Offerman Edition vs Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

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

Lagavulin 11 Year Old Offerman EditionTomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask
DistilleryLagavulinTomintoul
RegionSpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%53.9%
Age11 yr31 yr
Price£199£223.7
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 11 Year Old Offerman Edition

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner45/100
Value22/100

Lagavulin 11 Year Old Offerman Edition

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Lagavulin 11 Year Old Offerman Edition is better value at £199 vs £224.

For beginners: Lagavulin 11 Year Old Offerman Edition is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 11 Year Old Offerman Edition

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£199 vs £223.7)

Cons

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

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (31 vs 11 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (53.9%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£223.7 vs £199)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 11 Year Old Offerman Edition suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.

Who should buy Tomintoul?

Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask 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 11 Year Old Offerman Edition

SmokeyKipperyOilyMedicinal

Only Tomintoul 1981 (cask 5985) - Vintage Single Cask

Old WoodHoneyVanillaDried FruitToasted

Explore more