Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old - 1980s (1L) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old - 1980s (1L)
Dalwhinnie
£192
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old - 1980s (1L) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Dalwhinnie | Lagavulin |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 56.5% |
| Age | 15 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £192 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old - 1980s (1L)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old - 1980s (1L)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old - 1980s (1L) is better value at £192 vs £250.
For beginners: Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old - 1980s (1L) is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old - 1980s (1L)
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£192 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (15 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 £192)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Dalwhinnie?
Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old - 1980s (1L) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland 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 Dalwhinnie 15 Year Old - 1980s (1L)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)