Burnside 27 Year Old 1996 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.87 (Decadent Drinks) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Burnside 27 Year Old 1996 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.87 (Decadent Drinks)Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryBurnsideLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV53.9%56.5%
Age27 yr12 yr
Price£184.95£250
Rating5.00/5

Burnside 27 Year Old 1996 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.87 (Decadent Drinks)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value20/100

Burnside 27 Year Old 1996 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.87 (Decadent Drinks)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Burnside 27 Year Old 1996 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.87 (Decadent Drinks) is better value at £185 vs £250.

For beginners: Burnside 27 Year Old 1996 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.87 (Decadent Drinks) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Burnside 27 Year Old 1996 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.87 (Decadent Drinks)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£184.95 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (27 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (53.9%) — may need water
  • 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 £184.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Burnside?

Burnside 27 Year Old 1996 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.87 (Decadent Drinks) 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

Only Burnside 27 Year Old 1996 - Whisky Sponge Edition No.87 (Decadent Drinks)

Old WoodSherriedDried FruitLeatheryTobacco

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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