Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£199
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Caol Ila |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 59.1% |
| Age | 12 yr | 15 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018) is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018) is more approachable (50/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £199)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (15 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (59.1%) — may need water
- −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 Caol?
Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Caol Ila 15 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2018)