Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Cragganmore 23 Year Old 1990 (cask 1418) - Mackillop's Choice
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Cragganmore 23 Year Old 1990 (cask 1418) - Mackillop's Choice
Cragganmore
£193
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Cragganmore 23 Year Old 1990 (cask 1418) - Mackillop's Choice | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Cragganmore |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 56.4% |
| Age | 12 yr | 23 yr |
| Price | £250 | £193 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Cragganmore 23 Year Old 1990 (cask 1418) - Mackillop's Choice
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Cragganmore 23 Year Old 1990 (cask 1418) - Mackillop's Choice
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Cragganmore 23 Year Old 1990 (cask 1418) - Mackillop's Choice is better value at £193 vs £250.
For beginners: Cragganmore 23 Year Old 1990 (cask 1418) - Mackillop's Choice 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 £193)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Cragganmore 23 Year Old 1990 (cask 1418) - Mackillop's Choice
Pros
- +More affordable (£193 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (23 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (56.4%) — 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 Cragganmore?
Cragganmore 23 Year Old 1990 (cask 1418) - Mackillop's Choice 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 Cragganmore 23 Year Old 1990 (cask 1418) - Mackillop's Choice