Lagavulin 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 Islay Whisky vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Lagavulin 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 Islay WhiskyLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryLagavulinLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%56.5%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£199£250
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 Islay Whisky

Smoke64/100
Sweetness53/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Lagavulin 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Lagavulin 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 Islay Whisky is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: Lagavulin 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 Islay Whisky is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£199 vs £250)

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

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 £199)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for 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

Both taste of

Smokey

Only Lagavulin 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 Islay Whisky

SherriedCooked FruitChocolateToasted

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

MedicinalOilyKippery

Where to buy

Lagavulin 1995 Distillers Edition / Bot.2011 Islay Whisky

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Explore more