Blended Grain 44 Year Old 1976 (Thompson Bros.) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Blended Grain 44 Year Old 1976 (Thompson Bros.)
Thompson Bros.
£220
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
| Blended Grain 44 Year Old 1976 (Thompson Bros.) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Thompson Bros. | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Grain | Single Malt |
| ABV | 44.8% | 57.7% |
| Age | 44 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £220 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Blended Grain 44 Year Old 1976 (Thompson Bros.)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Blended Grain 44 Year Old 1976 (Thompson Bros.)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Blended Grain 44 Year Old 1976 (Thompson Bros.) is better value at £220 vs £299.
For beginners: Blended Grain 44 Year Old 1976 (Thompson Bros.) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Blended Grain 44 Year Old 1976 (Thompson Bros.)
Pros
- +More affordable (£220 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (44 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
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 (57.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £220)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Blended?
Blended Grain 44 Year Old 1976 (Thompson Bros.) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Grain character.
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary 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 Blended Grain 44 Year Old 1976 (Thompson Bros.)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary