Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th AnniversaryTeaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts
DistilleryLagavulinTeaninich
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV57.7%65%
Age12 yr23 yr
Price£299£344.14
Rating5.00/55.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value17/100

Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts

Smoke0/100
Sweetness45/100
Beginner35/100
Value15/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is better value at £299 vs £344.

For beginners: Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts is more approachable (35/100 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 £344.14)

Cons

  • High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (23 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (65%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£344.14 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 Teaninich?

Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts 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.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary

SmokeyMedicinalOilyLeathery

Only Teaninich 23 Year Old 1972 - Rare Malts

Hay-likeLeafyMalt ExtractVegetativeFresh Fruit

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