Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique (58.6%)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique (58.6%)
Kavalan
£200
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique (58.6%) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Kavalan |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Taiwan |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 58.6% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £199.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique (58.6%)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique (58.6%)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique (58.6%) is better value at £200 vs £250.
For beginners: Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique (58.6%) is more approachable (35/100 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 widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £199.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique (58.6%)
Pros
- +More affordable (£199.95 vs £250)
Cons
- −High ABV (58.6%) — may need water
- −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 Kavalan?
Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique (58.6%) 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 Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique (58.6%)