Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Royal Salute 24 Year Old - Cognac Finish

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th AnniversaryRoyal Salute 24 Year Old - Cognac Finish
DistilleryLagavulinRoyal Salute
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltBlended
ABV57.7%40%
Age12 yr24 yr
Price£299£399
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Royal Salute 24 Year Old - Cognac Finish

Smoke0/100
Sweetness62/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Royal Salute 24 Year Old - Cognac Finish

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is better value at £299 vs £399.

For beginners: Royal Salute 24 Year Old - Cognac Finish is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).

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 affordable (£299 vs £399)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Royal Salute 24 Year Old - Cognac Finish

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Longer maturation (24 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£399 vs £299)
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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.

Who should buy Royal?

Royal Salute 24 Year Old - Cognac Finish suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Blended character.

Tasting notes

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

SmokeyMedicinalOilyLeathery

Only Royal Salute 24 Year Old - Cognac Finish

SherriedHoneyFresh Fruit

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