Coastal Embrace 28 Year Old 1995 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Coastal Embrace 28 Year Old 1995 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryMurray McDavidLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeBlended MaltSingle Malt
ABV47.5%56.5%
Age28 yr12 yr
Price£189.9£250
Rating5.00/5

Coastal Embrace 28 Year Old 1995 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Coastal Embrace 28 Year Old 1995 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)

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).

Coastal Embrace 28 Year Old 1995 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid) is better value at £190 vs £250.

For beginners: Coastal Embrace 28 Year Old 1995 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid) is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Coastal Embrace 28 Year Old 1995 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£189.9 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (28 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 £189.9)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Coastal?

Coastal Embrace 28 Year Old 1995 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid) 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

Both taste of

Smokey

Only Coastal Embrace 28 Year Old 1995 - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)

SherriedDried FruitHoneyLeathery

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

MedicinalOilyKippery

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