Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Arran 24 Year Old 1997 (Vintage Bottlers)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
Arran 24 Year Old 1997 (Vintage Bottlers)
Arran
£270
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | Arran 24 Year Old 1997 (Vintage Bottlers) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Arran |
| Region | Islay | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.7% | 51.6% |
| Age | 12 yr | 24 yr |
| Price | £299 | £269.9 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Arran 24 Year Old 1997 (Vintage Bottlers)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Arran 24 Year Old 1997 (Vintage Bottlers)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Arran 24 Year Old 1997 (Vintage Bottlers) is better value at £270 vs £299.
For beginners: Arran 24 Year Old 1997 (Vintage Bottlers) is more approachable (60/100 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 £269.9)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Arran 24 Year Old 1997 (Vintage Bottlers)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£269.9 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (24 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (51.6%) — 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 Arran?
Arran 24 Year Old 1997 (Vintage Bottlers) 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
Only Arran 24 Year Old 1997 (Vintage Bottlers)