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 - 1980s
Dufftown
★ 5.00
£199

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Dufftown Glenlivet 8 Year Old - 1980s | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Dufftown | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 56.5% |
| Age | 8 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £199 | £250 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Dufftown Glenlivet 8 Year Old - 1980s
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Dufftown Glenlivet 8 Year Old - 1980s
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
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
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)