Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Kilkerran 20 Year Old 2004 - Open Day 2024 (35cl)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Kilkerran 20 Year Old 2004 - Open Day 2024 (35cl)
DistilleryLagavulinKilkerran
RegionIslayCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%49.2%
Age12 yr20 yr
Price£250£299
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Kilkerran 20 Year Old 2004 - Open Day 2024 (35cl)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Kilkerran 20 Year Old 2004 - Open Day 2024 (35cl)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £299.

For beginners: Kilkerran 20 Year Old 2004 - Open Day 2024 (35cl) is more approachable (55/100 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 affordable (£250 vs £299)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Kilkerran 20 Year Old 2004 - Open Day 2024 (35cl)

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • More expensive (£299 vs £250)
  • 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 Kilkerran?

Kilkerran 20 Year Old 2004 - Open Day 2024 (35cl) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Campbeltown character.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Kilkerran 20 Year Old 2004 - Open Day 2024 (35cl)

Old WoodLeatherySherriedTobaccoDried Fruit

Where to buy

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Kilkerran 20 Year Old 2004 - Open Day 2024 (35cl)

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