Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Littlemill 26 Years Old 1988 (cask 10599) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Littlemill 26 Years Old 1988 (cask 10599) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryLagavulinLittlemill
RegionIslayLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%56%
Age12 yr26 yr
Price£250£213.49
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value20/100

Littlemill 26 Years Old 1988 (cask 10599) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Littlemill 26 Years Old 1988 (cask 10599) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Littlemill 26 Years Old 1988 (cask 10599) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is better value at £213 vs £250.

For beginners: Littlemill 26 Years Old 1988 (cask 10599) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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 (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £213.49)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Littlemill 26 Years Old 1988 (cask 10599) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£213.49 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (26 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56%) — 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 2017) 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 Littlemill?

Littlemill 26 Years Old 1988 (cask 10599) - Xtra Old Particular (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 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Littlemill 26 Years Old 1988 (cask 10599) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)

Old WoodSherriedDried FruitNuttyLeathery

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