Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Arran 2004 (bottled 2014) Orkney Bere Barley Cask Strength
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Arran 2004 (bottled 2014) Orkney Bere Barley Cask Strength
Arran
★ 5.00
£199
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Arran 2004 (bottled 2014) Orkney Bere Barley Cask Strength | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Arran |
| Region | Islay | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 56.2% |
| Age | 12 yr | 10 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Arran 2004 (bottled 2014) Orkney Bere Barley Cask Strength
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Arran 2004 (bottled 2014) Orkney Bere Barley Cask Strength
Quick verdict
Arran 2004 (bottled 2014) Orkney Bere Barley Cask Strength is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Arran 2004 (bottled 2014) Orkney Bere Barley Cask Strength is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 10 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £199)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Arran 2004 (bottled 2014) Orkney Bere Barley Cask Strength
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.2%) — may need water
- −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 Arran?
Arran 2004 (bottled 2014) Orkney Bere Barley Cask Strength 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 Arran 2004 (bottled 2014) Orkney Bere Barley Cask Strength