Inchmurrin 28 Year Old 1974 (cask 730) - First Cask vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Inchmurrin 28 Year Old 1974 (cask 730) - First CaskLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryLoch LomondLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%56.5%
Age28 yr12 yr
Price£295£250
Rating5.00/5

Inchmurrin 28 Year Old 1974 (cask 730) - First Cask

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Inchmurrin 28 Year Old 1974 (cask 730) - First Cask

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).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £295.

For beginners: Inchmurrin 28 Year Old 1974 (cask 730) - First Cask is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Inchmurrin 28 Year Old 1974 (cask 730) - First Cask

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (28 vs 12 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • More expensive (£295 vs £250)
  • 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 affordable (£250 vs £295)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Inchmurrin?

Inchmurrin 28 Year Old 1974 (cask 730) - First Cask suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt 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 Inchmurrin 28 Year Old 1974 (cask 730) - First Cask

Malt ExtractHoneyVanillaOld WoodToasted

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Where to buy

Inchmurrin 28 Year Old 1974 (cask 730) - First Cask

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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