Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Strathclyde 40 Years Old 1974 (cask 10598) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Strathclyde 40 Years Old 1974 (cask 10598) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Strathclyde
£257
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Strathclyde 40 Years Old 1974 (cask 10598) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Strathclyde |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Grain |
| ABV | 56.5% | 55.4% |
| Age | 12 yr | 40 yr |
| Price | £250 | £257.12 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Strathclyde 40 Years Old 1974 (cask 10598) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Strathclyde 40 Years Old 1974 (cask 10598) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
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 £257.
For beginners: Strathclyde 40 Years Old 1974 (cask 10598) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) is more approachable (35/100 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 £257.12)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Strathclyde 40 Years Old 1974 (cask 10598) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (40 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (55.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£257.12 vs £250)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 40 Years Old 1974 (cask 10598) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing) 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 40 Years Old 1974 (cask 10598) - Xtra Old Particular (Douglas Laing)