Monluc Gold Anniversary 50 Year Old Armagnac vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Monluc Gold Anniversary 50 Year Old ArmagnacLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryMonlucLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%56.5%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£179£250
Rating5.00/5

Monluc Gold Anniversary 50 Year Old Armagnac

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Monluc Gold Anniversary 50 Year Old Armagnac

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).

Monluc Gold Anniversary 50 Year Old Armagnac is better value at £179 vs £250.

For beginners: Monluc Gold Anniversary 50 Year Old Armagnac is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Monluc Gold Anniversary 50 Year Old Armagnac

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£179 vs £250)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 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)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £179)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Monluc?

Monluc Gold Anniversary 50 Year Old Armagnac 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

Only Monluc Gold Anniversary 50 Year Old Armagnac

ChocolateDried FruitOld WoodSherriedTobacco

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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