Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask
Balvenie
★ 4.85
£199
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Balvenie |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 40% |
| Age | 12 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 4.85/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.85).
Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask is more approachable (85/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £199)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.8 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 Balvenie?
Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Balvenie 12 Year Old Triple Cask