Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
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 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Banff | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 41.8% | 56.5% |
| Age | 36 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £265.32 | £250 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 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
- +Longer maturation (36 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£265.32 vs £250)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£250 vs £265.32)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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 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.
Tasting notes
Only Banff 36 Year Old 1975 - Old and Rare (Douglas Laing)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)