Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Kavalan Solist Rum Cask
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Kavalan Solist Rum Cask | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Kavalan |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Taiwan |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 53.2% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £194.36 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Kavalan Solist Rum Cask
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Kavalan Solist Rum Cask
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Kavalan Solist Rum Cask is better value at £194 vs £250.
For beginners: Kavalan Solist Rum Cask 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 £194.36)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Kavalan Solist Rum Cask
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£194.36 vs £250)
Cons
- −High ABV (53.2%) — may need water
- −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 Kavalan?
Kavalan Solist Rum Cask 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 Kavalan Solist Rum Cask