Bruichladdich 15 Year Old 2005 (cask 1405) - The Red Cask Co. vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Bruichladdich 15 Year Old 2005 (cask 1405) - The Red Cask Co.
Bruichladdich
★ 4.00
£220
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
| Bruichladdich 15 Year Old 2005 (cask 1405) - The Red Cask Co. | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Bruichladdich | Lagavulin |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 63.1% | 57.7% |
| Age | 15 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £220 | £299 |
| Rating | 4.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Bruichladdich 15 Year Old 2005 (cask 1405) - The Red Cask Co.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Bruichladdich 15 Year Old 2005 (cask 1405) - The Red Cask Co.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).
Bruichladdich 15 Year Old 2005 (cask 1405) - The Red Cask Co. is better value at £220 vs £299.
For beginners: Bruichladdich 15 Year Old 2005 (cask 1405) - The Red Cask Co. is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Bruichladdich 15 Year Old 2005 (cask 1405) - The Red Cask Co.
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£220 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (15 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (63.1%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £220)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Bruichladdich?
Bruichladdich 15 Year Old 2005 (cask 1405) - The Red Cask Co. 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 Lagavulin?
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary 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 Bruichladdich 15 Year Old 2005 (cask 1405) - The Red Cask Co.
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary