Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Benrinnes 25 Year Old 1996 (cask 11712 & 11716) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Benrinnes 25 Year Old 1996 (cask 11712 & 11716) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Benrinnes
★ 5.00
£190
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Benrinnes 25 Year Old 1996 (cask 11712 & 11716) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Benrinnes |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 53.2% |
| Age | 12 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £250 | £189.99 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Benrinnes 25 Year Old 1996 (cask 11712 & 11716) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Benrinnes 25 Year Old 1996 (cask 11712 & 11716) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Quick verdict
Benrinnes 25 Year Old 1996 (cask 11712 & 11716) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is better value at £190 vs £250.
For beginners: Benrinnes 25 Year Old 1996 (cask 11712 & 11716) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is more approachable (45/100 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 £189.99)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Benrinnes 25 Year Old 1996 (cask 11712 & 11716) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£189.99 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (53.2%) — 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 Benrinnes?
Benrinnes 25 Year Old 1996 (cask 11712 & 11716) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Benrinnes 25 Year Old 1996 (cask 11712 & 11716) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)