BenRiach 20 Year Old - Pre 2015 vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
BenRiach 20 Year Old - Pre 2015
Benriach
£199
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| BenRiach 20 Year Old - Pre 2015 | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Benriach | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 56.5% |
| Age | 20 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £199 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
BenRiach 20 Year Old - Pre 2015
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
BenRiach 20 Year Old - Pre 2015
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
BenRiach 20 Year Old - Pre 2015 is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: BenRiach 20 Year Old - Pre 2015 is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
BenRiach 20 Year Old - Pre 2015
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
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 £199)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy BenRiach?
BenRiach 20 Year Old - Pre 2015 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside 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 BenRiach 20 Year Old - Pre 2015
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)