Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs The Fiddichside 31 Year Old 1989 (casks 2008137 & 18129) - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
The Fiddichside 31 Year Old 1989 (casks 2008137 & 18129) - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)
Murray McDavid
£220
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | The Fiddichside 31 Year Old 1989 (casks 2008137 & 18129) - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Murray McDavid |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 57.7% | 47.5% |
| Age | 12 yr | 31 yr |
| Price | £299 | £219.6 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
The Fiddichside 31 Year Old 1989 (casks 2008137 & 18129) - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
The Fiddichside 31 Year Old 1989 (casks 2008137 & 18129) - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
The Fiddichside 31 Year Old 1989 (casks 2008137 & 18129) - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid) is better value at £220 vs £299.
For beginners: The Fiddichside 31 Year Old 1989 (casks 2008137 & 18129) - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid) is more approachable (55/100 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 £219.6)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
The Fiddichside 31 Year Old 1989 (casks 2008137 & 18129) - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)
Pros
- +More affordable (£219.6 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (31 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −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 The?
The Fiddichside 31 Year Old 1989 (casks 2008137 & 18129) - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended Malt character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Only The Fiddichside 31 Year Old 1989 (casks 2008137 & 18129) - Mission Gold (Murray McDavid)