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)Crabbie 22 Year Old 1999
DistilleryLagavulinJohn Crabbie & Co.
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%47.5%
Age12 yr22 yr
Price£250£184.62
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value20/100

Crabbie 22 Year Old 1999

Smoke0/100
Sweetness56/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Crabbie 22 Year Old 1999

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

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)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Crabbie 22 Year Old 1999

SherriedHoneyOld WoodToastedCooked Fruit

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