Lagavulin 14 Year Old - Islay Jazz Festival 2022 vs Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

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

Lagavulin 14 Year Old - Islay Jazz Festival 2022Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryLagavulinGirvan
RegionLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltGrain
ABV55.4%43.7%
Age14 yr50 yr
Price£399£356.35
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 14 Year Old - Islay Jazz Festival 2022

Smoke64/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner25/100
Value0/100

Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value14/100

Lagavulin 14 Year Old - Islay Jazz Festival 2022

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is better value at £356 vs £399.

For beginners: Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 14 Year Old - Islay Jazz Festival 2022

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (55.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£399 vs £356.35)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£356.35 vs £399)
  • +Longer maturation (50 vs 14 years)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 14 Year Old - Islay Jazz Festival 2022 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 Girvan?

Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Lowland character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Leathery

Only Lagavulin 14 Year Old - Islay Jazz Festival 2022

SmokeyCooked FruitSherriedToasted

Only Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Old WoodTobaccoOilySandy

Where to buy

Lagavulin 14 Year Old - Islay Jazz Festival 2022

Girvan 50 Year Old 1965 (cask 10896) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

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