Dufftown Glenlivet 8 Year Old - 1980s (Without Presentation Tube) 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 (Without Presentation Tube)
Dufftown
£200

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Dufftown Glenlivet 8 Year Old - 1980s (Without Presentation Tube) | 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 | £199.95 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Dufftown Glenlivet 8 Year Old - 1980s (Without Presentation Tube)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Dufftown Glenlivet 8 Year Old - 1980s (Without Presentation Tube)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Dufftown Glenlivet 8 Year Old - 1980s (Without Presentation Tube) is better value at £200 vs £250.
For beginners: Dufftown Glenlivet 8 Year Old - 1980s (Without Presentation Tube) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Dufftown Glenlivet 8 Year Old - 1980s (Without Presentation Tube)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£199.95 vs £250)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −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)
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 8 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £199.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Dufftown?
Dufftown Glenlivet 8 Year Old - 1980s (Without Presentation Tube) 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 (Without Presentation Tube)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)