Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Ben Nevis 18 Year Old 1999 (cask 299/209) - Stalla Dhu
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Ben Nevis 18 Year Old 1999 (cask 299/209) - Stalla Dhu
Ben Nevis
£199
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Ben Nevis 18 Year Old 1999 (cask 299/209) - Stalla Dhu | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Ben Nevis |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 56.2% |
| Age | 12 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Ben Nevis 18 Year Old 1999 (cask 299/209) - Stalla Dhu
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Ben Nevis 18 Year Old 1999 (cask 299/209) - Stalla Dhu
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ben Nevis 18 Year Old 1999 (cask 299/209) - Stalla Dhu is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Ben Nevis 18 Year Old 1999 (cask 299/209) - Stalla Dhu 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
Ben Nevis 18 Year Old 1999 (cask 299/209) - Stalla Dhu
Pros
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 12 years)
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −High ABV (56.2%) — 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 Ben?
Ben Nevis 18 Year Old 1999 (cask 299/209) - Stalla Dhu 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 Ben Nevis 18 Year Old 1999 (cask 299/209) - Stalla Dhu