Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Turns on a Daim 1988 (bottled 2019) - Wemyss Malts (Invergordon)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Turns on a Daim 1988 (bottled 2019) - Wemyss Malts (Invergordon)
DistilleryLagavulinInvergordon
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltGrain
ABV56.5%53.7%
Age12 yr31 yr
Price£250£180.37
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Turns on a Daim 1988 (bottled 2019) - Wemyss Malts (Invergordon)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Turns on a Daim 1988 (bottled 2019) - Wemyss Malts (Invergordon)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Turns on a Daim 1988 (bottled 2019) - Wemyss Malts (Invergordon) is better value at £180 vs £250.

For beginners: Turns on a Daim 1988 (bottled 2019) - Wemyss Malts (Invergordon) 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 £180.37)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Turns on a Daim 1988 (bottled 2019) - Wemyss Malts (Invergordon)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£180.37 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (31 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (53.7%) — 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 Turns?

Turns on a Daim 1988 (bottled 2019) - Wemyss Malts (Invergordon) 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)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Turns on a Daim 1988 (bottled 2019) - Wemyss Malts (Invergordon)

ChocolateHoneyToastedMalt ExtractOld Wood

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