Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Macduff 28 Year Old 1973 (cask 3734) - First Cask
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
Macduff 28 Year Old 1973 (cask 3734) - First Cask
Macduff
£399
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | Macduff 28 Year Old 1973 (cask 3734) - First Cask | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Macduff |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.7% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | 28 yr |
| Price | £299 | £399 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Macduff 28 Year Old 1973 (cask 3734) - First Cask
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Macduff 28 Year Old 1973 (cask 3734) - First Cask
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: Macduff 28 Year Old 1973 (cask 3734) - First Cask is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
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
Macduff 28 Year Old 1973 (cask 3734) - First Cask
Pros
- +Longer maturation (28 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£399 vs £299)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −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 Macduff?
Macduff 28 Year Old 1973 (cask 3734) - First Cask suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Only Macduff 28 Year Old 1973 (cask 3734) - First Cask