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) - HighgroveLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryLaphroaigLagavulin
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%56.5%
Age12 yr12 yr
Price£199£250
Rating5.00/5

Laphroaig 12 Year Old 1999 (cask 5159) - Highgrove

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Laphroaig 12 Year Old 1999 (cask 5159) - Highgrove

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).

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

SmokeyMedicinalKippery

Only Laphroaig 12 Year Old 1999 (cask 5159) - Highgrove

LeatheryOld Wood

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Oily

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