Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Strathmill 15 Year Old - The Manager's Dram 2003
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Strathmill 15 Year Old - The Manager's Dram 2003
Strathmill
£199
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Strathmill 15 Year Old - The Manager's Dram 2003 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Strathmill |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 53.5% |
| Age | 12 yr | 15 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Strathmill 15 Year Old - The Manager's Dram 2003
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Strathmill 15 Year Old - The Manager's Dram 2003
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Strathmill 15 Year Old - The Manager's Dram 2003 is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Strathmill 15 Year Old - The Manager's Dram 2003 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 £199)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Strathmill 15 Year Old - The Manager's Dram 2003
Pros
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (15 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (53.5%) — 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 Strathmill?
Strathmill 15 Year Old - The Manager's Dram 2003 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 Strathmill 15 Year Old - The Manager's Dram 2003