Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Havana Club 15 Year Old Rum Single Modernist Rum

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Havana Club 15 Year Old Rum Single Modernist Rum
DistilleryLagavulinHavana Club
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandUnited Kingdom
TypeSingle Malt
ABV56.5%40%
Age12 yrNAS
Price£250£184
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Havana Club 15 Year Old Rum Single Modernist Rum

Smoke0/100
Sweetness50/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Havana Club 15 Year Old Rum Single Modernist Rum

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Havana Club 15 Year Old Rum Single Modernist Rum is better value at £184 vs £250.

For beginners: Havana Club 15 Year Old Rum Single Modernist Rum 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
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £184)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Havana Club 15 Year Old Rum Single Modernist Rum

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£184 vs £250)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • 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 Havana?

Havana Club 15 Year Old Rum Single Modernist Rum suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for character.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Havana Club 15 Year Old Rum Single Modernist Rum

Dried FruitTobaccoCooked Fruit

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