James Martin's 30 Year Old vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
James Martin's 30 Year Old
James Martin
£399
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
| James Martin's 30 Year Old | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | James Martin | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Blended | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 57.7% |
| Age | 30 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £399 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
James Martin's 30 Year Old
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
James Martin's 30 Year Old
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is better value at £299 vs £399.
For beginners: James Martin's 30 Year Old is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
James Martin's 30 Year Old
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£399 vs £299)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More affordable (£299 vs £399)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy James?
James Martin's 30 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.
Who should buy Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary 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 James Martin's 30 Year Old
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary