The Macallan 10 Year Old Fine Oak vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
The Macallan 10 Year Old Fine Oak
The Macallan
★ 3.64
£199
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| The Macallan 10 Year Old Fine Oak | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Macallan | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 40% | 56.5% |
| Age | 10 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £199 | £250 |
| Rating | 3.64/5 | 5.00/5 |
The Macallan 10 Year Old Fine Oak
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
The Macallan 10 Year Old Fine Oak
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.64).
The Macallan 10 Year Old Fine Oak is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: The Macallan 10 Year Old Fine Oak is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
The Macallan 10 Year Old Fine Oak
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lower community rating (3.6 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 10 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £199)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy The?
The Macallan 10 Year Old Fine Oak suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
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.
Tasting notes
Only The Macallan 10 Year Old Fine Oak
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)