Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Caol Ila 12 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2016
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Caol Ila 12 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2016
Caol Ila
£199
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Caol Ila 12 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2016 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Caol Ila |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 56.2% |
| Age | 12 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Caol Ila 12 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2016
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Caol Ila 12 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2016
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 12 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2016 is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Caol Ila 12 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2016 is more approachable (25/100 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
Caol Ila 12 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2016
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.2%) — may need water
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 Caol?
Caol Ila 12 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2016 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
Both taste of
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Caol Ila 12 Year Old - Fèis Ìle 2016