Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Speyside 30 Year Old 1989 (cask 4555) - The Artful Dodger
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Speyside 30 Year Old 1989 (cask 4555) - The Artful Dodger
Artful Dodger
£180
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Speyside 30 Year Old 1989 (cask 4555) - The Artful Dodger | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Artful Dodger |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Blended Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 51.2% |
| Age | 12 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £250 | £179.5 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Speyside 30 Year Old 1989 (cask 4555) - The Artful Dodger
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Speyside 30 Year Old 1989 (cask 4555) - The Artful Dodger
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Speyside 30 Year Old 1989 (cask 4555) - The Artful Dodger is better value at £180 vs £250.
For beginners: Speyside 30 Year Old 1989 (cask 4555) - The Artful Dodger is more approachable (45/100 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 £179.5)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Speyside 30 Year Old 1989 (cask 4555) - The Artful Dodger
Pros
- +More affordable (£179.5 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (51.2%) — 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 Speyside?
Speyside 30 Year Old 1989 (cask 4555) - The Artful Dodger 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)
Only Speyside 30 Year Old 1989 (cask 4555) - The Artful Dodger