Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Sandy Macdonald / Bot.1950s Blended Scotch Whisky
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Sandy Macdonald / Bot.1950s Blended Scotch Whisky
Sandy Macdonald
£375
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Sandy Macdonald / Bot.1950s Blended Scotch Whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Sandy Macdonald |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 56.5% | 40% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £375 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Sandy Macdonald / Bot.1950s Blended Scotch Whisky
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Sandy Macdonald / Bot.1950s Blended Scotch Whisky
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 £375.
For beginners: Sandy Macdonald / Bot.1950s Blended Scotch Whisky is more approachable (85/100 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 £375)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Sandy Macdonald / Bot.1950s Blended Scotch Whisky
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£375 vs £250)
- −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 Sandy?
Sandy Macdonald / Bot.1950s Blended Scotch Whisky is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Sandy Macdonald / Bot.1950s Blended Scotch Whisky