Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Ben Nevis 19 Year Old 1996 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
Ben Nevis 19 Year Old 1996 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Ben Nevis
£230
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | Ben Nevis 19 Year Old 1996 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Ben Nevis |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.7% | 50.6% |
| Age | 12 yr | 19 yr |
| Price | £299 | £229.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Ben Nevis 19 Year Old 1996 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Ben Nevis 19 Year Old 1996 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ben Nevis 19 Year Old 1996 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is better value at £230 vs £299.
For beginners: Ben Nevis 19 Year Old 1996 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) is more approachable (45/100 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 £229.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Ben Nevis 19 Year Old 1996 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)
Pros
- +More affordable (£229.95 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (19 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (50.6%) — 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 Ben?
Ben Nevis 19 Year Old 1996 - Single Cask (Master of Malt) 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
Only Ben Nevis 19 Year Old 1996 - Single Cask (Master of Malt)