Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Hazelburn 12 Year Old 2010 - Oloroso Cask

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th AnniversaryHazelburn 12 Year Old 2010 - Oloroso Cask
DistilleryLagavulinSpringbank
RegionIslayCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.7%49.9%
Age12 yr12 yr
Price£299£225
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Hazelburn 12 Year Old 2010 - Oloroso Cask

Smoke0/100
Sweetness67/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Hazelburn 12 Year Old 2010 - Oloroso Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Hazelburn 12 Year Old 2010 - Oloroso Cask is better value at £225 vs £299.

For beginners: Hazelburn 12 Year Old 2010 - Oloroso Cask 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 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

Hazelburn 12 Year Old 2010 - Oloroso Cask

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£225 vs £299)

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 Hazelburn?

Hazelburn 12 Year Old 2010 - Oloroso Cask 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

SmokeyMedicinalOilyLeathery

Only Hazelburn 12 Year Old 2010 - Oloroso Cask

SherriedDried FruitHoneyVanillaMalt Extract

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