Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Bruichladdich 20 Year Old Flirtation (2nd Edition)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£299
Bruichladdich 20 Year Old Flirtation (2nd Edition)
Bruichladdich
★ 5.00
£250
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary | Bruichladdich 20 Year Old Flirtation (2nd Edition) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Bruichladdich |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 57.7% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £299 | £250 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Bruichladdich 20 Year Old Flirtation (2nd Edition)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Bruichladdich 20 Year Old Flirtation (2nd Edition)
Quick verdict
Bruichladdich 20 Year Old Flirtation (2nd Edition) is better value at £250 vs £299.
For beginners: Bruichladdich 20 Year Old Flirtation (2nd Edition) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (57.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£299 vs £250)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Bruichladdich 20 Year Old Flirtation (2nd Edition)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£250 vs £299)
Cons
- −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 Bruichladdich?
Bruichladdich 20 Year Old Flirtation (2nd Edition) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary
Only Bruichladdich 20 Year Old Flirtation (2nd Edition)