Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Benrinnes 30 Year Old 1995 (cask 101) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
Benrinnes 30 Year Old 1995 (cask 101) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Benrinnes
£226
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | Benrinnes 30 Year Old 1995 (cask 101) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Benrinnes |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.7% | 49.1% |
| Age | 12 yr | 30 yr |
| Price | £299 | £225.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Benrinnes 30 Year Old 1995 (cask 101) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Benrinnes 30 Year Old 1995 (cask 101) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Benrinnes 30 Year Old 1995 (cask 101) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is better value at £226 vs £299.
For beginners: Benrinnes 30 Year Old 1995 (cask 101) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is more approachable (55/100 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 widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £225.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Benrinnes 30 Year Old 1995 (cask 101) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Pros
- +More affordable (£225.95 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (30 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −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 Benrinnes?
Benrinnes 30 Year Old 1995 (cask 101) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Only Benrinnes 30 Year Old 1995 (cask 101) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)