Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Bruichladdich 15 Year Old 2005 (cask 1403) - The Red Cask Co.

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th AnniversaryBruichladdich 15 Year Old 2005 (cask 1403) - The Red Cask Co.
DistilleryLagavulinBruichladdich
RegionIslayIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.7%63.1%
Age12 yr15 yr
Price£299£225
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Bruichladdich 15 Year Old 2005 (cask 1403) - The Red Cask Co.

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bruichladdich 15 Year Old 2005 (cask 1403) - The Red Cask Co.

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Bruichladdich 15 Year Old 2005 (cask 1403) - The Red Cask Co. is better value at £225 vs £299.

For beginners: Bruichladdich 15 Year Old 2005 (cask 1403) - The Red Cask Co. is more approachable (35/100 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

Bruichladdich 15 Year Old 2005 (cask 1403) - The Red Cask Co.

Pros

  • +More affordable (£225 vs £299)
  • +Longer maturation (15 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (63.1%) — may need water
  • 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 Bruichladdich?

Bruichladdich 15 Year Old 2005 (cask 1403) - The Red Cask Co. 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 Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

SmokeyMedicinalOilyLeathery

Only Bruichladdich 15 Year Old 2005 (cask 1403) - The Red Cask Co.

SherriedDried FruitToastedOld Wood

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