Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 22 (2021 Release)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th AnniversarySpringbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 22 (2021 Release)
DistilleryLagavulinSpringbank
RegionIslayCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.7%55.4%
Age12 yr12 yr
Price£299£250
Rating5.00/55.00/5

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

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

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 22 (2021 Release)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness65/100
Beginner40/100
Value20/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 22 (2021 Release)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 22 (2021 Release) is better value at £250 vs £299.

For beginners: Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 22 (2021 Release) is more approachable (40/100 beginner score).

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

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£299 vs £250)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 22 (2021 Release)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Better value for money
  • +More affordable (£250 vs £299)

Cons

  • High ABV (55.4%) — may need water

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 Springbank?

Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 22 (2021 Release) 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

Both taste of

SmokeyOily

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

MedicinalLeathery

Only Springbank 12 Year Old Cask Strength - Batch 22 (2021 Release)

SherriedChocolateTobacco

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