Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo
Springbank
★ 5.00
£399
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Springbank |
| Region | Islay | Campbeltown |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 54.7% |
| Age | 12 yr | 9 yr |
| Price | £250 | £399 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £399.
For beginners: Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£250 vs £399)
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 9 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo
Pros
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (54.7%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£399 vs £250)
- −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 Springbank?
Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo 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 Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo
Where to buy
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Springbank 9 Year Old 2004 - Gaja Barolo
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange