Imperial 24 Year Old 1995 - Single & Single vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Imperial 24 Year Old 1995 - Single & SingleLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryImperialLagavulin
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV49.2%56.5%
Age24 yr12 yr
Price£192.78£250
Rating4.33/55.00/5

Imperial 24 Year Old 1995 - Single & Single

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner55/100
Value22/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Imperial 24 Year Old 1995 - Single & Single

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.33).

Imperial 24 Year Old 1995 - Single & Single is better value at £193 vs £250.

For beginners: Imperial 24 Year Old 1995 - Single & Single is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).

Imperial 24 Year Old 1995 - Single & Single

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£192.78 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (24 vs 12 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • Lower community rating (4.3 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £192.78)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Imperial?

Imperial 24 Year Old 1995 - Single & Single 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 Imperial 24 Year Old 1995 - Single & Single

Old WoodMalt ExtractVanillaHoneyToasted

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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