Invergordon 33 Year Old 1988 (cask 528136) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Invergordon 33 Year Old 1988 (cask 528136) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryInvergordonLagavulin
RegionHighlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeGrainSingle Malt
ABV46.8%56.5%
Age33 yr12 yr
Price£199.16£250
Rating5.00/5

Invergordon 33 Year Old 1988 (cask 528136) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness71/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Invergordon 33 Year Old 1988 (cask 528136) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)

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).

Invergordon 33 Year Old 1988 (cask 528136) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: Invergordon 33 Year Old 1988 (cask 528136) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Invergordon 33 Year Old 1988 (cask 528136) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£199.16 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (33 vs 12 years)

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)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £199.16)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Invergordon?

Invergordon 33 Year Old 1988 (cask 528136) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor) 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

Only Invergordon 33 Year Old 1988 (cask 528136) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)

SherriedVanillaDried FruitOld WoodHoney

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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