Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Balvenie 15 Year Old 1989 (cask 13549) Single Barrel
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
Balvenie 15 Year Old 1989 (cask 13549) Single Barrel
Balvenie
£450
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | Balvenie 15 Year Old 1989 (cask 13549) Single Barrel | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Balvenie |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.7% | 47.8% |
| Age | 12 yr | 15 yr |
| Price | £299 | £450 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Balvenie 15 Year Old 1989 (cask 13549) Single Barrel
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Balvenie 15 Year Old 1989 (cask 13549) Single Barrel
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is better value at £299 vs £450.
For beginners: Balvenie 15 Year Old 1989 (cask 13549) Single Barrel is more approachable (55/100 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 affordable (£299 vs £450)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Balvenie 15 Year Old 1989 (cask 13549) Single Barrel
Pros
- +Longer maturation (15 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£450 vs £299)
- −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 Balvenie?
Balvenie 15 Year Old 1989 (cask 13549) Single Barrel suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Only Balvenie 15 Year Old 1989 (cask 13549) Single Barrel