Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Port Dundas 24 Year Old 1995 (cask 72910) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Port Dundas 24 Year Old 1995 (cask 72910) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)
DistilleryLagavulinPort Dundas
RegionIslayLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltGrain
ABV56.5%58.4%
Age12 yr24 yr
Price£250£199
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Port Dundas 24 Year Old 1995 (cask 72910) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness66/100
Beginner50/100
Value25/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Port Dundas 24 Year Old 1995 (cask 72910) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Port Dundas 24 Year Old 1995 (cask 72910) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker) is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: Port Dundas 24 Year Old 1995 (cask 72910) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £199)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Port Dundas 24 Year Old 1995 (cask 72910) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (24 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (58.4%) — may need water
  • 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 Port?

Port Dundas 24 Year Old 1995 (cask 72910) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker) 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)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Port Dundas 24 Year Old 1995 (cask 72910) - Infrequent Flyers (Alistair Walker)

VanillaHoneyOld WoodNuttySherried

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