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)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250

Kilkerran 20 Year Old 2004 - Open Day 2024 (35cl)
Kilkerran
£299
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Kilkerran 20 Year Old 2004 - Open Day 2024 (35cl) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Kilkerran |
| Region | Islay | Campbeltown |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 49.2% |
| Age | 12 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £250 | £299 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Kilkerran 20 Year Old 2004 - Open Day 2024 (35cl)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Kilkerran 20 Year Old 2004 - Open Day 2024 (35cl)
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)
Only Kilkerran 20 Year Old 2004 - Open Day 2024 (35cl)
Where to buy
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Kilkerran 20 Year Old 2004 - Open Day 2024 (35cl)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange