Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Macallan 2006 (bottled 2024) (cask 9620) - Speymalt (Gordon & MacPhail)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Macallan 2006 (bottled 2024) (cask 9620) - Speymalt (Gordon & MacPhail)
The Macallan
£250
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Macallan 2006 (bottled 2024) (cask 9620) - Speymalt (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | The Macallan |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 61.3% |
| Age | 12 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £250 | £250 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Macallan 2006 (bottled 2024) (cask 9620) - Speymalt (Gordon & MacPhail)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Macallan 2006 (bottled 2024) (cask 9620) - Speymalt (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Macallan 2006 (bottled 2024) (cask 9620) - Speymalt (Gordon & MacPhail) is better value at £250 vs £250.
For beginners: Macallan 2006 (bottled 2024) (cask 9620) - Speymalt (Gordon & MacPhail) 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
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Macallan 2006 (bottled 2024) (cask 9620) - Speymalt (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (61.3%) — 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 Macallan?
Macallan 2006 (bottled 2024) (cask 9620) - Speymalt (Gordon & MacPhail) 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 Macallan 2006 (bottled 2024) (cask 9620) - Speymalt (Gordon & MacPhail)
Where to buy
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Macallan 2006 (bottled 2024) (cask 9620) - Speymalt (Gordon & MacPhail)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange