Old Pulteney 2002 / 23 Year Old / Decadent Drams Highland Whisky vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

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

Old Pulteney 2002 / 23 Year Old / Decadent Drams Highland WhiskyLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
DistilleryOld PulteneyLagavulin
RegionIslay
CountryUnited KingdomScotland
TypeSingle Malt
ABV40%57.7%
AgeNAS12 yr
Price£220£299
Rating5.00/5

Old Pulteney 2002 / 23 Year Old / Decadent Drams Highland Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value17/100

Old Pulteney 2002 / 23 Year Old / Decadent Drams Highland Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Old Pulteney 2002 / 23 Year Old / Decadent Drams Highland Whisky is better value at £220 vs £299.

For beginners: Old Pulteney 2002 / 23 Year Old / Decadent Drams Highland Whisky is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

Old Pulteney 2002 / 23 Year Old / Decadent Drams Highland Whisky

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£220 vs £299)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

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 (57.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£299 vs £220)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Old?

Old Pulteney 2002 / 23 Year Old / Decadent Drams Highland Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Who should buy Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary 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 Old Pulteney 2002 / 23 Year Old / Decadent Drams Highland Whisky

Fresh FruitVanillaSherriedToastedOld Wood

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

SmokeyMedicinalOilyLeathery

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