Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Balvenie 10 Year Old Founder's Reserve
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Balvenie 10 Year Old Founder's Reserve
Balvenie
★ 4.28
£199
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Balvenie 10 Year Old Founder's Reserve | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Balvenie |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 40% |
| Age | 12 yr | 10 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.28/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Balvenie 10 Year Old Founder's Reserve
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Balvenie 10 Year Old Founder's Reserve
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.28).
Balvenie 10 Year Old Founder's Reserve is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Balvenie 10 Year Old Founder's Reserve is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 10 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £199)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Balvenie 10 Year Old Founder's Reserve
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.3 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 Balvenie?
Balvenie 10 Year Old Founder's Reserve 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)
Only Balvenie 10 Year Old Founder's Reserve