Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Auchroisk 25 Year Old 1996 (cask 2) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Auchroisk 25 Year Old 1996 (cask 2) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
DistilleryLagavulinAuchroisk
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%48.5%
Age12 yr25 yr
Price£250£189.9
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value20/100

Auchroisk 25 Year Old 1996 (cask 2) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Auchroisk 25 Year Old 1996 (cask 2) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Auchroisk 25 Year Old 1996 (cask 2) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is better value at £190 vs £250.

For beginners: Auchroisk 25 Year Old 1996 (cask 2) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is more approachable (55/100 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 £189.9)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Auchroisk 25 Year Old 1996 (cask 2) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£189.9 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • 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 Auchroisk?

Auchroisk 25 Year Old 1996 (cask 2) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Auchroisk 25 Year Old 1996 (cask 2) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)

SherriedDried FruitHoneyOld WoodNutty

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