Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Kavalan Solist Moscatel Cask
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
Kavalan Solist Moscatel Cask
Kavalan
★ 5.00
£335
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | Kavalan Solist Moscatel Cask | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Kavalan |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Taiwan |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.7% | 54% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £299 | £334.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Kavalan Solist Moscatel Cask
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Kavalan Solist Moscatel Cask
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is better value at £299 vs £335.
For beginners: Kavalan Solist Moscatel Cask 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
- +More affordable (£299 vs £334.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Kavalan Solist Moscatel Cask
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (54%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£334.95 vs £299)
- −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 Kavalan?
Kavalan Solist Moscatel Cask 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 Kavalan Solist Moscatel Cask