Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Braeval 25 Year Old 1996 (cask 11430813) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
Braeval 25 Year Old 1996 (cask 11430813) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Braeval (AKA Braes of Glenlivet)
£245
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | Braeval 25 Year Old 1996 (cask 11430813) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Braeval (AKA Braes of Glenlivet) |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.7% | 51.1% |
| Age | 12 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £299 | £245 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Braeval 25 Year Old 1996 (cask 11430813) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Braeval 25 Year Old 1996 (cask 11430813) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Braeval 25 Year Old 1996 (cask 11430813) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is better value at £245 vs £299.
For beginners: Braeval 25 Year Old 1996 (cask 11430813) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) 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 £245)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Braeval 25 Year Old 1996 (cask 11430813) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£245 vs £299)
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (51.1%) — 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 Braeval?
Braeval 25 Year Old 1996 (cask 11430813) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) 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 Braeval 25 Year Old 1996 (cask 11430813) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)