Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Elijah Craig Single Barrel 18 Year Old
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
Elijah Craig Single Barrel 18 Year Old
Elijah Craig
★ 4.67
£219
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | Elijah Craig Single Barrel 18 Year Old | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Elijah Craig |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | America |
| Type | Single Malt | Bourbon |
| ABV | 57.7% | 45% |
| Age | 12 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £299 | £219 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.67/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Elijah Craig Single Barrel 18 Year Old
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Elijah Craig Single Barrel 18 Year Old
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.67).
Elijah Craig Single Barrel 18 Year Old is better value at £219 vs £299.
For beginners: Elijah Craig Single Barrel 18 Year Old is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £219)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Elijah Craig Single Barrel 18 Year Old
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£219 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.7 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 Elijah?
Elijah Craig Single Barrel 18 Year Old suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Bourbon character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Only Elijah Craig Single Barrel 18 Year Old