Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2011) vs Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2011)Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1
DistilleryLagavulinBruichladdich
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.5%48.4%
Age12 yr25 yr
Price£299£289.95
Rating3.00/55.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2011)

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value10/100

Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1

Smoke68/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner45/100
Value17/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2011)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1 is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.00).

Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1 is better value at £290 vs £299.

For beginners: Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1 is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2011)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming

Cons

  • High ABV (57.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£299 vs £289.95)
  • Lower community rating (3.0 vs 5.0)

Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£289.95 vs £299)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Who should buy Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2011) 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 Bruichladdich?

Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeyLeatheryOld WoodMedicinal

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2011)

Oily

Only Bruichladdich 25 Year Old 1994 - Black Art 7.1

Dried Fruit

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