Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Laphroaig 15 Year Old (200th Anniversary Edition)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Laphroaig 15 Year Old (200th Anniversary Edition)
Laphroaig
★ 4.91
£199
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Laphroaig 15 Year Old (200th Anniversary Edition) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Laphroaig |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 43% |
| Age | 12 yr | 15 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.91/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Laphroaig 15 Year Old (200th Anniversary Edition)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Laphroaig 15 Year Old (200th Anniversary Edition)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.91).
Laphroaig 15 Year Old (200th Anniversary Edition) is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Laphroaig 15 Year Old (200th Anniversary Edition) is more approachable (55/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £199)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Laphroaig 15 Year Old (200th Anniversary Edition)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (15 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.9 vs 5.0)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
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 Laphroaig?
Laphroaig 15 Year Old (200th Anniversary Edition) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Islay character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Laphroaig 15 Year Old (200th Anniversary Edition)
Where to buy
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Laphroaig 15 Year Old (200th Anniversary Edition)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange