Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015) vs Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015)
Lagavulin
★ 4.86
£299
Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)
Banff
★ 5.00
£265
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015) | Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Banff |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.8% | 41.8% |
| Age | 12 yr | 36 yr |
| Price | £299 | £265.32 |
| Rating | 4.86/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015)
Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015)
Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.86).
Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing) is better value at £265 vs £299.
For beginners: Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.8%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £265.32)
- −Lower community rating (4.9 vs 5.0)
Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£265.32 vs £299)
Cons
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015) 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 Banff?
Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2015)
Only Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)