Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)
Caol Ila
£189
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Caol Ila | Lagavulin |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 53.8% | 56.5% |
| Age | 29 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £188.71 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £189 vs £250.
For beginners: Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (30/100 beginner score).
Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£188.71 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (29 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (53.8%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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 £188.71)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Caol?
Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor) 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
Both taste of
Only Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
Caol Ila 29 Year Old 1983 - Dimensions (Duncan Taylor)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange