Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Macallan 1997 (bottled 2015) - Speymalt (Gordon & MacPhail)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Macallan 1997 (bottled 2015) - Speymalt (Gordon & MacPhail)
The Macallan
£399
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Macallan 1997 (bottled 2015) - Speymalt (Gordon & MacPhail) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | The Macallan |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 43% |
| Age | 12 yr | 18 yr |
| Price | £250 | £399 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Macallan 1997 (bottled 2015) - Speymalt (Gordon & MacPhail)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Macallan 1997 (bottled 2015) - Speymalt (Gordon & MacPhail)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £399.
For beginners: Macallan 1997 (bottled 2015) - Speymalt (Gordon & MacPhail) is more approachable (85/100 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)
- +More affordable (£250 vs £399)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Macallan 1997 (bottled 2015) - Speymalt (Gordon & MacPhail)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −More expensive (£399 vs £250)
- −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 Macallan?
Macallan 1997 (bottled 2015) - Speymalt (Gordon & MacPhail) is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Macallan 1997 (bottled 2015) - Speymalt (Gordon & MacPhail)
Where to buy
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Macallan 1997 (bottled 2015) - Speymalt (Gordon & MacPhail)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange