Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Rare Ayrshire (Ladyburn) 37 Year Old 1975 (cask 3424) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Rare Ayrshire (Ladyburn) 37 Year Old 1975 (cask 3424) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Ladyburn
£196
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Rare Ayrshire (Ladyburn) 37 Year Old 1975 (cask 3424) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Ladyburn |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 47.5% |
| Age | 12 yr | 37 yr |
| Price | £250 | £195.58 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Rare Ayrshire (Ladyburn) 37 Year Old 1975 (cask 3424) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Rare Ayrshire (Ladyburn) 37 Year Old 1975 (cask 3424) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Rare Ayrshire (Ladyburn) 37 Year Old 1975 (cask 3424) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is better value at £196 vs £250.
For beginners: Rare Ayrshire (Ladyburn) 37 Year Old 1975 (cask 3424) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is more approachable (55/100 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 £195.58)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Rare Ayrshire (Ladyburn) 37 Year Old 1975 (cask 3424) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Pros
- +More affordable (£195.58 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (37 vs 12 years)
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 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 Rare?
Rare Ayrshire (Ladyburn) 37 Year Old 1975 (cask 3424) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Lowland character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Rare Ayrshire (Ladyburn) 37 Year Old 1975 (cask 3424) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)