Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Edradour 18 Year Old 1993 (cask 8/737/3) Sauturnes Finish Cask

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Edradour 18 Year Old 1993 (cask 8/737/3) Sauturnes Finish Cask
DistilleryLagavulinEdradour
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%52.5%
Age12 yr18 yr
Price£250£184.63
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Edradour 18 Year Old 1993 (cask 8/737/3) Sauturnes Finish Cask

Smoke0/100
Sweetness61/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Edradour 18 Year Old 1993 (cask 8/737/3) Sauturnes Finish Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Edradour 18 Year Old 1993 (cask 8/737/3) Sauturnes Finish Cask is better value at £185 vs £250.

For beginners: Edradour 18 Year Old 1993 (cask 8/737/3) Sauturnes Finish Cask 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 £184.63)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Edradour 18 Year Old 1993 (cask 8/737/3) Sauturnes Finish Cask

Pros

  • +More affordable (£184.63 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (18 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (52.5%) — 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 Edradour?

Edradour 18 Year Old 1993 (cask 8/737/3) Sauturnes Finish Cask 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)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Edradour 18 Year Old 1993 (cask 8/737/3) Sauturnes Finish Cask

SherriedHoneyDried FruitChocolateFresh Fruit

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