Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Lochindaal 11 Year Old 2009 (cask 77) - The Single Cask

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Lochindaal 11 Year Old 2009 (cask 77) - The Single Cask
DistilleryLagavulinBruichladdich
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%62.5%
Age12 yr11 yr
Price£250£199.95
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Lochindaal 11 Year Old 2009 (cask 77) - The Single Cask

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lochindaal 11 Year Old 2009 (cask 77) - The Single Cask

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Lochindaal 11 Year Old 2009 (cask 77) - The Single Cask is better value at £200 vs £250.

For beginners: Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is more approachable (20/100 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 11 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £199.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Lochindaal 11 Year Old 2009 (cask 77) - The Single Cask

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£199.95 vs £250)

Cons

  • High ABV (62.5%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

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 Lochindaal?

Lochindaal 11 Year Old 2009 (cask 77) - The Single Cask 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

Both taste of

SmokeyMedicinalOily

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Kippery

Only Lochindaal 11 Year Old 2009 (cask 77) - The Single Cask

Leathery

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