Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Bladnoch 20 Year Old - Distillery Label
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Bladnoch 20 Year Old - Distillery Label
Bladnoch
£199
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Bladnoch 20 Year Old - Distillery Label | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Bladnoch |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 46% |
| Age | 12 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Bladnoch 20 Year Old - Distillery Label
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Bladnoch 20 Year Old - Distillery Label
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Bladnoch 20 Year Old - Distillery Label is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Bladnoch 20 Year Old - Distillery Label is more approachable (60/100 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)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Bladnoch 20 Year Old - Distillery Label
Pros
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
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 Bladnoch?
Bladnoch 20 Year Old - Distillery Label suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Lowland character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Bladnoch 20 Year Old - Distillery Label