Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Linkwood 30 Year Old 1984 (cask 8250) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
Linkwood 30 Year Old 1984 (cask 8250) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
Linkwood
★ 5.00
£230
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | Linkwood 30 Year Old 1984 (cask 8250) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Linkwood |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.7% | 52.7% |
| Age | 12 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £299 | £230.01 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Linkwood 30 Year Old 1984 (cask 8250) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Linkwood 30 Year Old 1984 (cask 8250) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
Quick verdict
Linkwood 30 Year Old 1984 (cask 8250) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) is better value at £230 vs £299.
For beginners: Linkwood 30 Year Old 1984 (cask 8250) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £230.01)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Linkwood 30 Year Old 1984 (cask 8250) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£230.01 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (52.7%) — may need water
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
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.
Who should buy Linkwood?
Linkwood 30 Year Old 1984 (cask 8250) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing) 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 Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Only Linkwood 30 Year Old 1984 (cask 8250) - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)