Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Benriach 20 Year Old 2000 (cask 3) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Benriach 20 Year Old 2000 (cask 3) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Benriach
£197
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Benriach 20 Year Old 2000 (cask 3) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Benriach |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 59.1% |
| Age | 12 yr | 20 yr |
| Price | £250 | £196.81 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Benriach 20 Year Old 2000 (cask 3) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Benriach 20 Year Old 2000 (cask 3) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Benriach 20 Year Old 2000 (cask 3) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is better value at £197 vs £250.
For beginners: Benriach 20 Year Old 2000 (cask 3) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) is more approachable (35/100 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 £196.81)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Benriach 20 Year Old 2000 (cask 3) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)
Pros
- +More affordable (£196.81 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (59.1%) — 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 Benriach?
Benriach 20 Year Old 2000 (cask 3) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory) 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 Benriach 20 Year Old 2000 (cask 3) - Cask Strength Collection (Signatory)