Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Caol Ila 8 Year Old 1999 Unpeated (Special Release 2008)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Caol Ila 8 Year Old 1999 Unpeated (Special Release 2008)
Caol Ila
£199
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Caol Ila 8 Year Old 1999 Unpeated (Special Release 2008) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Caol Ila |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 64.2% |
| Age | 12 yr | 8 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Caol Ila 8 Year Old 1999 Unpeated (Special Release 2008)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Caol Ila 8 Year Old 1999 Unpeated (Special Release 2008)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 8 Year Old 1999 Unpeated (Special Release 2008) is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Caol Ila 8 Year Old 1999 Unpeated (Special Release 2008) 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)
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 8 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £199)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Caol Ila 8 Year Old 1999 Unpeated (Special Release 2008)
Pros
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (64.2%) — 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 Caol?
Caol Ila 8 Year Old 1999 Unpeated (Special Release 2008) 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 Caol Ila 8 Year Old 1999 Unpeated (Special Release 2008)