Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Strathclyde 33 Year Old 1990 (cask 6439179) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Strathclyde 33 Year Old 1990 (cask 6439179) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Strathclyde
£210
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Strathclyde 33 Year Old 1990 (cask 6439179) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Strathclyde |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 56.5% | 51% |
| Age | 12 yr | 33 yr |
| Price | £250 | £210 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Strathclyde 33 Year Old 1990 (cask 6439179) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Strathclyde 33 Year Old 1990 (cask 6439179) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Strathclyde 33 Year Old 1990 (cask 6439179) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £210 vs £250.
For beginners: Strathclyde 33 Year Old 1990 (cask 6439179) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) 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 £210)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Strathclyde 33 Year Old 1990 (cask 6439179) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +More affordable (£210 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (33 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (51%) — 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 Strathclyde?
Strathclyde 33 Year Old 1990 (cask 6439179) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) 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 Strathclyde 33 Year Old 1990 (cask 6439179) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)