Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Billecart-Salmon Elisabeth Salmon Rose 2009 / Gift Box

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Billecart-Salmon Elisabeth Salmon Rose 2009 / Gift Box
DistilleryLagavulinBillecart-Salmon
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV56.5%40%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£250£190
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Billecart-Salmon Elisabeth Salmon Rose 2009 / Gift Box

Smoke0/100
Sweetness48/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Billecart-Salmon Elisabeth Salmon Rose 2009 / Gift Box

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Billecart-Salmon Elisabeth Salmon Rose 2009 / Gift Box is better value at £190 vs £250.

For beginners: Billecart-Salmon Elisabeth Salmon Rose 2009 / Gift Box 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 £190)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Billecart-Salmon Elisabeth Salmon Rose 2009 / Gift Box

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£190 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 Billecart-Salmon?

Billecart-Salmon Elisabeth Salmon Rose 2009 / Gift Box suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Billecart-Salmon Elisabeth Salmon Rose 2009 / Gift Box

Fresh FruitHoneyFragant

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