Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Kavalan Selection Vinho Barrique
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 Selection Vinho Barrique
Kavalan
£233
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | Kavalan Selection Vinho Barrique | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Kavalan |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Taiwan |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.7% | 54% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £299 | £233.13 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Kavalan Selection Vinho Barrique
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Kavalan Selection Vinho Barrique
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Kavalan Selection Vinho Barrique is better value at £233 vs £299.
For beginners: Kavalan Selection Vinho Barrique 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 £233.13)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Kavalan Selection Vinho Barrique
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£233.13 vs £299)
Cons
- −High ABV (54%) — 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 Kavalan?
Kavalan Selection Vinho Barrique 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 Selection Vinho Barrique