Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Balvenie 15 Year Old 1980 (cask 11962) Single Barrel
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
Balvenie 15 Year Old 1980 (cask 11962) Single Barrel
Balvenie
£395
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | Balvenie 15 Year Old 1980 (cask 11962) Single Barrel | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Balvenie |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.7% | 50.4% |
| Age | 12 yr | 15 yr |
| Price | £299 | £395 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Balvenie 15 Year Old 1980 (cask 11962) Single Barrel
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Balvenie 15 Year Old 1980 (cask 11962) Single Barrel
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 £395.
For beginners: Balvenie 15 Year Old 1980 (cask 11962) Single Barrel is more approachable (60/100 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 £395)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Balvenie 15 Year Old 1980 (cask 11962) Single Barrel
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Longer maturation (15 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (50.4%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£395 vs £299)
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 Balvenie?
Balvenie 15 Year Old 1980 (cask 11962) Single Barrel suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Only Balvenie 15 Year Old 1980 (cask 11962) Single Barrel