Craigellachie 19 Year Old vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Craigellachie 19 Year OldLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryCraigellachieLagavulin
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV46%56.5%
Age19 yr12 yr
Price£183.5£250
Rating5.00/5

Craigellachie 19 Year Old

Smoke0/100
Sweetness58/100
Beginner60/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Craigellachie 19 Year Old

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).

Craigellachie 19 Year Old is better value at £184 vs £250.

For beginners: Craigellachie 19 Year Old is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Craigellachie 19 Year Old

Pros

  • +More affordable (£183.5 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (19 vs 12 years)

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 £183.5)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Craigellachie?

Craigellachie 19 Year Old 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 Craigellachie 19 Year Old

SherriedToastedHoney

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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