Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Crabbie 22 Year Old 1999
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250

Crabbie 22 Year Old 1999
John Crabbie & Co.
£185
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Crabbie 22 Year Old 1999 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | John Crabbie & Co. |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 47.5% |
| Age | 12 yr | 22 yr |
| Price | £250 | £184.62 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Crabbie 22 Year Old 1999
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Crabbie 22 Year Old 1999
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Crabbie 22 Year Old 1999 is better value at £185 vs £250.
For beginners: Crabbie 22 Year Old 1999 is more approachable (55/100 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 £184.62)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Crabbie 22 Year Old 1999
Pros
- +More affordable (£184.62 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (22 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −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 Crabbie?
Crabbie 22 Year Old 1999 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Crabbie 22 Year Old 1999