Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary vs Glenfiddich 18 Year Old / Excellence Speyside Whisky

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th AnniversaryGlenfiddich 18 Year Old / Excellence Speyside Whisky
DistilleryLagavulinGlenfiddich
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV57.7%40%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£299£375
Rating5.00/5

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

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

Glenfiddich 18 Year Old / Excellence Speyside Whisky

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

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

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glenfiddich 18 Year Old / Excellence Speyside Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2016) - 200th Anniversary is better value at £299 vs £375.

For beginners: Glenfiddich 18 Year Old / Excellence Speyside Whisky is more approachable (70/100 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 £375)

Cons

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

Glenfiddich 18 Year Old / Excellence Speyside Whisky

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£375 vs £299)
  • 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 Glenfiddich?

Glenfiddich 18 Year Old / Excellence Speyside Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

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

SmokeyMedicinalOilyLeathery

Only Glenfiddich 18 Year Old / Excellence Speyside Whisky

VanillaHoneyFresh FruitToastedChocolate

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