Cameronbridge 35 Year Old 1978 (cask 396999) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Cameronbridge 35 Year Old 1978 (cask 396999) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryCameron BridgeLagavulin
RegionLowlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeGrainSingle Malt
ABV53.9%56.5%
Age35 yr12 yr
Price£184.34£250
Rating5.00/5

Cameronbridge 35 Year Old 1978 (cask 396999) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Cameronbridge 35 Year Old 1978 (cask 396999) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)

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).

Cameronbridge 35 Year Old 1978 (cask 396999) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £184 vs £250.

For beginners: Cameronbridge 35 Year Old 1978 (cask 396999) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Cameronbridge 35 Year Old 1978 (cask 396999) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£184.34 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (35 vs 12 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

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 £184.34)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Cameronbridge?

Cameronbridge 35 Year Old 1978 (cask 396999) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

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 Cameronbridge 35 Year Old 1978 (cask 396999) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)

Old WoodVanillaHoneyNutty

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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