Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Kilkerran 16 Year Old - Open Day 2022
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250

Kilkerran 16 Year Old - Open Day 2022
Kilkerran
£250
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Kilkerran 16 Year Old - Open Day 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Kilkerran |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 53.9% |
| Age | 12 yr | 16 yr |
| Price | £250 | £250 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Kilkerran 16 Year Old - Open Day 2022
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Kilkerran 16 Year Old - Open Day 2022
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Kilkerran 16 Year Old - Open Day 2022 is better value at £250 vs £250.
For beginners: Kilkerran 16 Year Old - Open Day 2022 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
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Kilkerran 16 Year Old - Open Day 2022
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Longer maturation (16 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (53.9%) — 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 Kilkerran?
Kilkerran 16 Year Old - Open Day 2022 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 Kilkerran 16 Year Old - Open Day 2022
Where to buy
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Kilkerran 16 Year Old - Open Day 2022
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange