Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Balvenie Founder's Reserve - Cognac Bottle 75cl
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Balvenie Founder's Reserve - Cognac Bottle 75cl
Balvenie
★ 5.00
£275
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Balvenie Founder's Reserve - Cognac Bottle 75cl | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Balvenie |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 40% |
| Age | 12 yr | 10 yr |
| Price | £250 | £275 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | 5.00/5 |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Balvenie Founder's Reserve - Cognac Bottle 75cl
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Balvenie Founder's Reserve - Cognac Bottle 75cl
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £275.
For beginners: Balvenie Founder's Reserve - Cognac Bottle 75cl is more approachable (70/100 beginner score).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£250 vs £275)
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 10 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Balvenie Founder's Reserve - Cognac Bottle 75cl
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
Cons
- −More expensive (£275 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 Balvenie?
Balvenie Founder's Reserve - Cognac Bottle 75cl suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.
Tasting notes
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Balvenie Founder's Reserve - Cognac Bottle 75cl
Where to buy
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Balvenie Founder's Reserve - Cognac Bottle 75cl
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange