Hennessy VSOP Cognac / Bot.1980s vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Hennessy VSOP Cognac / Bot.1980s
Hennessy
£225
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
| Hennessy VSOP Cognac / Bot.1980s | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Hennessy | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 57.7% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £225 | £299 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Hennessy VSOP Cognac / Bot.1980s
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Hennessy VSOP Cognac / Bot.1980s
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Hennessy VSOP Cognac / Bot.1980s is better value at £225 vs £299.
For beginners: Hennessy VSOP Cognac / Bot.1980s is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Hennessy VSOP Cognac / Bot.1980s
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£225 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 £225)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Hennessy?
Hennessy VSOP Cognac / Bot.1980s 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 Hennessy VSOP Cognac / Bot.1980s
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary