Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Ardmore 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 750772) - The Single Malts of Scotland
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Ardmore 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 750772) - The Single Malts of Scotland
Ardmore
£180
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Ardmore 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 750772) - The Single Malts of Scotland | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Ardmore |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 51.5% |
| Age | 12 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £250 | £179.5 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Ardmore 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 750772) - The Single Malts of Scotland
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Ardmore 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 750772) - The Single Malts of Scotland
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ardmore 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 750772) - The Single Malts of Scotland is better value at £180 vs £250.
For beginners: Ardmore 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 750772) - The Single Malts of Scotland 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 £179.5)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Ardmore 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 750772) - The Single Malts of Scotland
Pros
- +More affordable (£179.5 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (51.5%) — 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 Ardmore?
Ardmore 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 750772) - The Single Malts of Scotland 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 Ardmore 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 750772) - The Single Malts of Scotland