Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Strathmill 31 Year Old 1976 (cask 1126) - Archive (Adelphi)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Strathmill 31 Year Old 1976 (cask 1126) - Archive (Adelphi)
Strathmill
£182
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Strathmill 31 Year Old 1976 (cask 1126) - Archive (Adelphi) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Strathmill |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 44.8% |
| Age | 12 yr | 31 yr |
| Price | £250 | £181.82 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Strathmill 31 Year Old 1976 (cask 1126) - Archive (Adelphi)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Strathmill 31 Year Old 1976 (cask 1126) - Archive (Adelphi)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Strathmill 31 Year Old 1976 (cask 1126) - Archive (Adelphi) is better value at £182 vs £250.
For beginners: Strathmill 31 Year Old 1976 (cask 1126) - Archive (Adelphi) is more approachable (60/100 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 £181.82)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Strathmill 31 Year Old 1976 (cask 1126) - Archive (Adelphi)
Pros
- +More affordable (£181.82 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (31 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
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 Strathmill?
Strathmill 31 Year Old 1976 (cask 1126) - Archive (Adelphi) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Strathmill 31 Year Old 1976 (cask 1126) - Archive (Adelphi)