Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Tormore 33 Year Old 1988 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter 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
Tormore 33 Year Old 1988 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Tormore
£430
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | Tormore 33 Year Old 1988 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Tormore |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.7% | 49.1% |
| Age | 12 yr | 33 yr |
| Price | £299 | £430 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Tormore 33 Year Old 1988 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Tormore 33 Year Old 1988 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
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 £430.
For beginners: Tormore 33 Year Old 1988 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) is more approachable (70/100 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 £430)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Tormore 33 Year Old 1988 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (33 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£430 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 Tormore?
Tormore 33 Year Old 1988 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Only Tormore 33 Year Old 1988 - Old & Rare Platinum (Hunter Laing)