Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs The Macallan 10 Year Old Fine Oak - Pre 2008
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
The Macallan 10 Year Old Fine Oak - Pre 2008
The Macallan
£199
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | The Macallan 10 Year Old Fine Oak - Pre 2008 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | The Macallan |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 40% |
| Age | 12 yr | 10 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
The Macallan 10 Year Old Fine Oak - Pre 2008
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
The Macallan 10 Year Old Fine Oak - Pre 2008
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
The Macallan 10 Year Old Fine Oak - Pre 2008 is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: The Macallan 10 Year Old Fine Oak - Pre 2008 is more approachable (85/100 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)
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 10 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £199)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
The Macallan 10 Year Old Fine Oak - Pre 2008
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
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 The?
The Macallan 10 Year Old Fine Oak - Pre 2008 is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only The Macallan 10 Year Old Fine Oak - Pre 2008