Carsebridge 46 Year Old 1973 (Thompson Bros.) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Carsebridge 46 Year Old 1973 (Thompson Bros.)
Carsebridge
£210

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Carsebridge 46 Year Old 1973 (Thompson Bros.) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Carsebridge | Lagavulin |
| Region | Lowland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Grain | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.1% | 56.5% |
| Age | 46 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £210 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Carsebridge 46 Year Old 1973 (Thompson Bros.)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Carsebridge 46 Year Old 1973 (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).
Carsebridge 46 Year Old 1973 (Thompson Bros.) is better value at £210 vs £250.
For beginners: Carsebridge 46 Year Old 1973 (Thompson Bros.) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Carsebridge 46 Year Old 1973 (Thompson Bros.)
Pros
- +More affordable (£210 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (46 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (57.1%) — 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 £210)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Carsebridge?
Carsebridge 46 Year Old 1973 (Thompson Bros.) 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 Carsebridge 46 Year Old 1973 (Thompson Bros.)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)