The Macallan 15 Year Old Triple Cask vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
The Macallan 15 Year Old Triple Cask
The Macallan
★ 3.29
£250
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| The Macallan 15 Year Old Triple Cask | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | The Macallan | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 43% | 56.5% |
| Age | 15 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £250 | £250 |
| Rating | 3.29/5 | 5.00/5 |
The Macallan 15 Year Old Triple Cask
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
The Macallan 15 Year Old Triple Cask
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 3.29).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £250.
For beginners: The Macallan 15 Year Old Triple Cask is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
The Macallan 15 Year Old Triple Cask
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (15 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (3.3 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)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy The?
The Macallan 15 Year Old Triple Cask is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
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 The Macallan 15 Year Old Triple Cask
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Macallan 15 Year Old Triple Cask
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange