Bruichladdich 29 Year Old - Black Art 10.1 vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Bruichladdich 29 Year Old - Black Art 10.1Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
DistilleryBruichladdichLagavulin
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV45.1%57.7%
Age29 yr12 yr
Price£394.99£299
Rating4.00/55.00/5

Bruichladdich 29 Year Old - Black Art 10.1

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner60/100
Value10/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value17/100

Bruichladdich 29 Year Old - Black Art 10.1

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is better value at £299 vs £395.

For beginners: Bruichladdich 29 Year Old - Black Art 10.1 is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Bruichladdich 29 Year Old - Black Art 10.1

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (29 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • More expensive (£394.99 vs £299)
  • Lower community rating (4.0 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 affordable (£299 vs £394.99)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Bruichladdich?

Bruichladdich 29 Year Old - Black Art 10.1 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay 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 Bruichladdich 29 Year Old - Black Art 10.1

Old WoodSherriedMalt ExtractHoneyNutty

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

SmokeyMedicinalOilyLeathery

Explore more