Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Balmenach 24 Year Old - Wormtub Single Cask
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Balmenach 24 Year Old - Wormtub Single Cask
Balmenach
£200
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Balmenach 24 Year Old - Wormtub Single Cask | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Balmenach |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 61.4% |
| Age | 12 yr | 24 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Balmenach 24 Year Old - Wormtub Single Cask
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Balmenach 24 Year Old - Wormtub Single Cask
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Balmenach 24 Year Old - Wormtub Single Cask is better value at £200 vs £250.
For beginners: Balmenach 24 Year Old - Wormtub Single Cask is more approachable (50/100 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 £199.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Balmenach 24 Year Old - Wormtub Single Cask
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£199.95 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (24 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (61.4%) — 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 Balmenach?
Balmenach 24 Year Old - Wormtub Single Cask suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Balmenach 24 Year Old - Wormtub Single Cask