Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Caol Ila 14 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2012)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Caol Ila 14 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2012)
Caol Ila
★ 5.00
£199
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Caol Ila 14 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2012) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Caol Ila |
| Region | Islay | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 59.3% |
| Age | 12 yr | 14 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Caol Ila 14 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2012)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Caol Ila 14 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2012)
Quick verdict
Caol Ila 14 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2012) is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Caol Ila 14 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2012) is more approachable (25/100 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)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Caol Ila 14 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2012)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (14 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (59.3%) — may need water
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 14 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2012) 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
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Caol Ila 14 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2012)
Where to buy
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Caol Ila 14 Year Old Unpeated (Special Release 2012)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange