Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Benromach 25 Year Old - Late 1990s
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Benromach 25 Year Old - Late 1990s
Benromach
★ 5.00
£200
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Benromach 25 Year Old - Late 1990s | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Benromach |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 43% |
| Age | 12 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199.99 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Benromach 25 Year Old - Late 1990s
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Benromach 25 Year Old - Late 1990s
Quick verdict
Benromach 25 Year Old - Late 1990s is better value at £200 vs £250.
For beginners: Benromach 25 Year Old - Late 1990s is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £199.99)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Benromach 25 Year Old - Late 1990s
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£199.99 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −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 Benromach?
Benromach 25 Year Old - Late 1990s suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Benromach 25 Year Old - Late 1990s