Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Arran Premium Single Cask 1998 (cask 815) - Sherry Cask
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Arran Premium Single Cask 1998 (cask 815) - Sherry Cask
Arran
£199
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Arran Premium Single Cask 1998 (cask 815) - Sherry Cask | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Arran |
| Region | Islay | Island |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 55.3% |
| Age | 12 yr | 16 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Arran Premium Single Cask 1998 (cask 815) - Sherry Cask
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Arran Premium Single Cask 1998 (cask 815) - Sherry Cask
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Arran Premium Single Cask 1998 (cask 815) - Sherry Cask is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Arran Premium Single Cask 1998 (cask 815) - Sherry Cask is more approachable (35/100 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)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Arran Premium Single Cask 1998 (cask 815) - Sherry Cask
Pros
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (16 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (55.3%) — 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 Arran?
Arran Premium Single Cask 1998 (cask 815) - Sherry 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)
Only Arran Premium Single Cask 1998 (cask 815) - Sherry Cask