Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Laphroaig 15 Year Old / 200th Anniversary Islay Whisky

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Laphroaig 15 Year Old / 200th Anniversary Islay Whisky
DistilleryLagavulinLaphroaig
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV56.5%40%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£250£195
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Laphroaig 15 Year Old / 200th Anniversary Islay Whisky

Smoke68/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Laphroaig 15 Year Old / 200th Anniversary Islay Whisky

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Laphroaig 15 Year Old / 200th Anniversary Islay Whisky is better value at £195 vs £250.

For beginners: Laphroaig 15 Year Old / 200th Anniversary Islay Whisky is more approachable (55/100 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 £195)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Laphroaig 15 Year Old / 200th Anniversary Islay Whisky

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£195 vs £250)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • 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 Laphroaig?

Laphroaig 15 Year Old / 200th Anniversary Islay Whisky suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeyMedicinal

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

OilyKippery

Only Laphroaig 15 Year Old / 200th Anniversary Islay Whisky

Leathery

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