Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Benromach 17 Year Old Special Centenary Bottling
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250

Benromach 17 Year Old Special Centenary Bottling
Benromach
£200
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Benromach 17 Year Old Special Centenary Bottling | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Benromach |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 43% |
| Age | 12 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Benromach 17 Year Old Special Centenary Bottling
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Benromach 17 Year Old Special Centenary Bottling
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Benromach 17 Year Old Special Centenary Bottling is better value at £200 vs £250.
For beginners: Benromach 17 Year Old Special Centenary Bottling is more approachable (70/100 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 £199.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Benromach 17 Year Old Special Centenary Bottling
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£199.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (17 vs 12 years)
- +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 Benromach?
Benromach 17 Year Old Special Centenary Bottling suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Benromach 17 Year Old Special Centenary Bottling