Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Laballe Bas Armagnac 1980 / Bot.2023
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Laballe Bas Armagnac 1980 / Bot.2023
Laballe
£184
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Laballe Bas Armagnac 1980 / Bot.2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Laballe |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 56.5% | 40% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £184 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Laballe Bas Armagnac 1980 / Bot.2023
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Laballe Bas Armagnac 1980 / Bot.2023
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Laballe Bas Armagnac 1980 / Bot.2023 is better value at £184 vs £250.
For beginners: Laballe Bas Armagnac 1980 / Bot.2023 is more approachable (70/100 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 £184)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Laballe Bas Armagnac 1980 / Bot.2023
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£184 vs £250)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −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 Laballe?
Laballe Bas Armagnac 1980 / Bot.2023 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Laballe Bas Armagnac 1980 / Bot.2023