Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry 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 Fino Sherry Cask
Kavalan
★ 4.00
£350
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry Cask | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Kavalan |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Taiwan |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.7% | 58.6% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £299 | £349.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry Cask
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry Cask
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is better value at £299 vs £350.
For beginners: Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry Cask is more approachable (50/100 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 £349.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Kavalan Solist Fino Sherry Cask
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (58.6%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£349.95 vs £299)
- −Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)
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 Fino Sherry 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 Fino Sherry Cask