Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Caol Ila 10 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2009)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Caol Ila 10 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2009)
Caol Ila
£199
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Caol Ila 10 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2009) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Caol Ila |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 65.8% |
| Age | 12 yr | 10 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Caol Ila 10 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2009)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Caol Ila 10 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2009)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Caol Ila 10 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2009) is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Caol Ila 10 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2009) is more approachable (50/100 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 10 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 10 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2009)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (65.8%) — 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 10 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2009) suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Caol Ila 10 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2009)