Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Sideburn 31 Year Old Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th AnniversarySideburn 31 Year Old Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks)
DistilleryLagavulinDecadent Drinks
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended Malt
ABV57.7%53.6%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£299£244.95
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value17/100

Sideburn 31 Year Old Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness62/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Sideburn 31 Year Old Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Sideburn 31 Year Old Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks) is better value at £245 vs £299.

For beginners: Sideburn 31 Year Old Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks) is more approachable (45/100 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 widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£299 vs £244.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Sideburn 31 Year Old Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£244.95 vs £299)

Cons

  • High ABV (53.6%) — may need water
  • 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 Sideburn?

Sideburn 31 Year Old Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks) 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

SmokeyMedicinalOilyLeathery

Only Sideburn 31 Year Old Decadent Drams (Decadent Drinks)

HoneyFresh FruitOld WoodSherriedYeasty

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