Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Bladnoch 16 Year Old 2005 (cask 1023) - Palo Cortado Cask
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Bladnoch 16 Year Old 2005 (cask 1023) - Palo Cortado Cask
Bladnoch
£199
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Bladnoch 16 Year Old 2005 (cask 1023) - Palo Cortado Cask | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Bladnoch |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 50.4% |
| Age | 12 yr | 16 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Bladnoch 16 Year Old 2005 (cask 1023) - Palo Cortado Cask
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Bladnoch 16 Year Old 2005 (cask 1023) - Palo Cortado Cask
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Bladnoch 16 Year Old 2005 (cask 1023) - Palo Cortado Cask is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Bladnoch 16 Year Old 2005 (cask 1023) - Palo Cortado Cask is more approachable (45/100 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 16 Year Old 2005 (cask 1023) - Palo Cortado Cask
Pros
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (16 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (50.4%) — 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 Bladnoch?
Bladnoch 16 Year Old 2005 (cask 1023) - Palo Cortado Cask 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 Bladnoch 16 Year Old 2005 (cask 1023) - Palo Cortado Cask