Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Strathclyde 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 64110096) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Strathclyde 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 64110096) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)
DistilleryLagavulinStrathclyde
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltGrain
ABV56.5%48.3%
Age12 yr30 yr
Price£250£187.16
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Strathclyde 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 64110096) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Strathclyde 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 64110096) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Strathclyde 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 64110096) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £187 vs £250.

For beginners: Strathclyde 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 64110096) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor) 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 £187.16)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Strathclyde 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 64110096) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£187.16 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (30 vs 12 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

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 Strathclyde?

Strathclyde 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 64110096) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Grain character.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Strathclyde 30 Year Old 1990 (cask 64110096) - Rare Auld (Duncan Taylor)

HoneyMalt ExtractOld WoodNutty

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