Springbank 20 Year Old 2003 - Springbank Society 2024 (35cl) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Springbank 20 Year Old 2003 - Springbank Society 2024 (35cl)
Springbank
£299
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Springbank 20 Year Old 2003 - Springbank Society 2024 (35cl) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Springbank | Lagavulin |
| Region | Campbeltown | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 55.7% | 56.5% |
| Age | 20 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £299 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Springbank 20 Year Old 2003 - Springbank Society 2024 (35cl)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Springbank 20 Year Old 2003 - Springbank Society 2024 (35cl)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £299.
For beginners: Springbank 20 Year Old 2003 - Springbank Society 2024 (35cl) is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Springbank 20 Year Old 2003 - Springbank Society 2024 (35cl)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £250)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 affordable (£250 vs £299)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Springbank?
Springbank 20 Year Old 2003 - Springbank Society 2024 (35cl) 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.
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 Springbank 20 Year Old 2003 - Springbank Society 2024 (35cl)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)