Dufftown Glenlivet 8 Year Old - 1980s vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Dufftown Glenlivet 8 Year Old - 1980sLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryDufftownLagavulin
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV40%56.5%
Age8 yr12 yr
Price£199£250
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Dufftown Glenlivet 8 Year Old - 1980s

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner70/100
Value25/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Dufftown Glenlivet 8 Year Old - 1980s

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Dufftown Glenlivet 8 Year Old - 1980s is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: Dufftown Glenlivet 8 Year Old - 1980s is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Dufftown Glenlivet 8 Year Old - 1980s

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£199 vs £250)

Cons

  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Longer maturation (12 vs 8 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £199)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Dufftown?

Dufftown Glenlivet 8 Year Old - 1980s suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

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 Dufftown Glenlivet 8 Year Old - 1980s

Malt ExtractVanillaToastedHoneyFresh Fruit

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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