Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Aberlour 16 Year Old Hand Filled Sherry Cask - Batch A15

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Aberlour 16 Year Old Hand Filled Sherry Cask - Batch A15
DistilleryLagavulinAberlour
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%56.5%
Age12 yr16 yr
Price£250£199
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value20/100

Aberlour 16 Year Old Hand Filled Sherry Cask - Batch A15

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Aberlour 16 Year Old Hand Filled Sherry Cask - Batch A15

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Aberlour 16 Year Old Hand Filled Sherry Cask - Batch A15 is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: Aberlour 16 Year Old Hand Filled Sherry Cask - Batch A15 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

Aberlour 16 Year Old Hand Filled Sherry Cask - Batch A15

Pros

  • +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (16 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — 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 Aberlour?

Aberlour 16 Year Old Hand Filled Sherry Cask - Batch A15 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)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Aberlour 16 Year Old Hand Filled Sherry Cask - Batch A15

SherriedChocolateVanillaDried FruitToasted

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