Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Fanny Fougerat Sir / 50 Year Old / Type 72 Cognac / Hors Serie

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Fanny Fougerat Sir / 50 Year Old / Type 72 Cognac / Hors Serie
DistilleryLagavulinFanny Fougerat
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV56.5%40%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£250£230
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value20/100

Fanny Fougerat Sir / 50 Year Old / Type 72 Cognac / Hors Serie

Smoke0/100
Sweetness68/100
Beginner85/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Fanny Fougerat Sir / 50 Year Old / Type 72 Cognac / Hors Serie

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Fanny Fougerat Sir / 50 Year Old / Type 72 Cognac / Hors Serie is better value at £230 vs £250.

For beginners: Fanny Fougerat Sir / 50 Year Old / Type 72 Cognac / Hors Serie is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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 (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £230)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Fanny Fougerat Sir / 50 Year Old / Type 72 Cognac / Hors Serie

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£230 vs £250)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • 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 2017) 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 Fanny?

Fanny Fougerat Sir / 50 Year Old / Type 72 Cognac / Hors Serie 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 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Fanny Fougerat Sir / 50 Year Old / Type 72 Cognac / Hors Serie

Dried FruitLeatheryCitricHoney

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