Blended Whisky 38 Year Old 1980 (Thompson Bros.) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Blended Whisky 38 Year Old 1980 (Thompson Bros.)
Thompson Bros.
£200
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Blended Whisky 38 Year Old 1980 (Thompson Bros.) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Thompson Bros. | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 44.9% | 56.5% |
| Age | 38 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £199.95 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Blended Whisky 38 Year Old 1980 (Thompson Bros.)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Blended Whisky 38 Year Old 1980 (Thompson Bros.)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Blended Whisky 38 Year Old 1980 (Thompson Bros.) is better value at £200 vs £250.
For beginners: Blended Whisky 38 Year Old 1980 (Thompson Bros.) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Blended Whisky 38 Year Old 1980 (Thompson Bros.)
Pros
- +More affordable (£199.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (38 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −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
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £199.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Blended?
Blended Whisky 38 Year Old 1980 (Thompson Bros.) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended 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 Blended Whisky 38 Year Old 1980 (Thompson Bros.)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)