Laphroaig 12 Year Old 1999 (cask 5159) - Highgrove vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Laphroaig 12 Year Old 1999 (cask 5159) - Highgrove
Laphroaig
£199

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Laphroaig 12 Year Old 1999 (cask 5159) - Highgrove | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Laphroaig | Lagavulin |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 56.5% |
| Age | 12 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £199 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Laphroaig 12 Year Old 1999 (cask 5159) - Highgrove
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Laphroaig 12 Year Old 1999 (cask 5159) - Highgrove
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Laphroaig 12 Year Old 1999 (cask 5159) - Highgrove is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Laphroaig 12 Year Old 1999 (cask 5159) - Highgrove is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Laphroaig 12 Year Old 1999 (cask 5159) - Highgrove
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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 £199)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Laphroaig?
Laphroaig 12 Year Old 1999 (cask 5159) - Highgrove suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay 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
Both taste of
Only Laphroaig 12 Year Old 1999 (cask 5159) - Highgrove
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)