Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Islay 14 Year Old 2006 - Old Particular Halloween Edition (Douglas Laing)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Islay 14 Year Old 2006 - Old Particular Halloween Edition (Douglas Laing)
DistilleryLagavulinDouglas Laing
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%54.9%
Age12 yr14 yr
Price£250£195
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Islay 14 Year Old 2006 - Old Particular Halloween Edition (Douglas Laing)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Islay 14 Year Old 2006 - Old Particular Halloween Edition (Douglas Laing)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Islay 14 Year Old 2006 - Old Particular Halloween Edition (Douglas Laing) is better value at £195 vs £250.

For beginners: Islay 14 Year Old 2006 - Old Particular Halloween Edition (Douglas Laing) 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 £195)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Islay 14 Year Old 2006 - Old Particular Halloween Edition (Douglas Laing)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£195 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (14 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (54.9%) — 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 Islay?

Islay 14 Year Old 2006 - Old Particular Halloween Edition (Douglas Laing) 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

Smokey

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

MedicinalOilyKippery

Only Islay 14 Year Old 2006 - Old Particular Halloween Edition (Douglas Laing)

LeatheryToastedDried Fruit

Explore more