Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2011) vs Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2011)Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition
DistilleryLagavulinGlenmorangie
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.5%46%
Age12 yr15 yr
Price£299£399
Rating3.00/55.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2011)

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

Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner60/100
Value13/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2011)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.00).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2011) is better value at £299 vs £399.

For beginners: Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2011)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£299 vs £399)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.5%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (3.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (15 vs 12 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • More expensive (£399 vs £299)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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 Glenmorangie?

Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

Old Wood

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2011)

SmokeyLeatheryMedicinalOily

Only Glenmorangie Artein 15 Year Old Private Edition

SherriedVanillaToasted

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