Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs North Port 24 Year Old 1981 - Rarest of the Rare (Duncan Taylor)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
North Port 24 Year Old 1981 - Rarest of the Rare (Duncan Taylor)
North Port
£395
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | North Port 24 Year Old 1981 - Rarest of the Rare (Duncan Taylor) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | North Port |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 58% |
| Age | 12 yr | 24 yr |
| Price | £250 | £395 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
North Port 24 Year Old 1981 - Rarest of the Rare (Duncan Taylor)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
North Port 24 Year Old 1981 - Rarest of the Rare (Duncan Taylor)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £395.
For beginners: North Port 24 Year Old 1981 - Rarest of the Rare (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (50/100 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 affordable (£250 vs £395)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
North Port 24 Year Old 1981 - Rarest of the Rare (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Longer maturation (24 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (58%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£395 vs £250)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 North?
North Port 24 Year Old 1981 - Rarest of the Rare (Duncan Taylor) 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 2017)
Only North Port 24 Year Old 1981 - Rarest of the Rare (Duncan Taylor)