Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)
Banff
★ 5.00
£265
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
Lagavulin
★ 4.67
£199
| Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Banff | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 41.8% | 56.4% |
| Age | 36 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £265.32 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.67/5 |
Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
Quick verdict
Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.67).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020) is better value at £199 vs £265.
For beginners: Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (36 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£265.32 vs £199)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£199 vs £265.32)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (56.4%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (4.7 vs 5.0)
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.
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020) 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 Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020)