Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Benriach 33 Year Old 1977 (Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask Finish)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Benriach 33 Year Old 1977 (Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask Finish)
Benriach
£205
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Benriach 33 Year Old 1977 (Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask Finish) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Benriach |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 52.2% |
| Age | 12 yr | 33 yr |
| Price | £250 | £204.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Benriach 33 Year Old 1977 (Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask Finish)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Benriach 33 Year Old 1977 (Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask Finish)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Benriach 33 Year Old 1977 (Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask Finish) is better value at £205 vs £250.
For beginners: Benriach 33 Year Old 1977 (Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask Finish) is more approachable (60/100 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 £204.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Benriach 33 Year Old 1977 (Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask Finish)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£204.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (33 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (52.2%) — 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 33 Year Old 1977 (Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask Finish) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Benriach 33 Year Old 1977 (Pedro Ximénez Sherry Cask Finish)