BenRiach 29 Years Old 1984 (cask 488) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
BenRiach 29 Years Old 1984 (cask 488)
Benriach
£199
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| BenRiach 29 Years Old 1984 (cask 488) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Benriach | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 51.1% | 56.5% |
| Age | 29 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £198.95 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
BenRiach 29 Years Old 1984 (cask 488)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
BenRiach 29 Years Old 1984 (cask 488)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
BenRiach 29 Years Old 1984 (cask 488) is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: BenRiach 29 Years Old 1984 (cask 488) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
BenRiach 29 Years Old 1984 (cask 488)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£198.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (29 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (51.1%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £198.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy BenRiach?
BenRiach 29 Years Old 1984 (cask 488) 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 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
Both taste of
Only BenRiach 29 Years Old 1984 (cask 488)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)