Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Courvoisier XO Royal Cognac
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Courvoisier XO Royal Cognac
Courvoisier
£190
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Courvoisier XO Royal Cognac | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Courvoisier |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 56.5% | 40% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £190 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Courvoisier XO Royal Cognac
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Courvoisier XO Royal Cognac
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Courvoisier XO Royal Cognac is better value at £190 vs £250.
For beginners: Courvoisier XO Royal Cognac is more approachable (70/100 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 £190)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Courvoisier XO Royal Cognac
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£190 vs £250)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
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 Courvoisier?
Courvoisier XO Royal Cognac suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Courvoisier XO Royal Cognac