Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Craigellachie 17 Year Old (bottled 2023) (casks 2, 3, 4) - Exceptional Cask Series (Master of Malt Exclusive)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Craigellachie 17 Year Old (bottled 2023) (casks 2, 3, 4) - Exceptional Cask Series (Master of Malt Exclusive)
Craigellachie
£224
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Craigellachie 17 Year Old (bottled 2023) (casks 2, 3, 4) - Exceptional Cask Series (Master of Malt Exclusive) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Craigellachie |
| Region | Islay | Speyside |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 54.7% |
| Age | 12 yr | 17 yr |
| Price | £250 | £223.5 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Craigellachie 17 Year Old (bottled 2023) (casks 2, 3, 4) - Exceptional Cask Series (Master of Malt Exclusive)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Craigellachie 17 Year Old (bottled 2023) (casks 2, 3, 4) - Exceptional Cask Series (Master of Malt Exclusive)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Craigellachie 17 Year Old (bottled 2023) (casks 2, 3, 4) - Exceptional Cask Series (Master of Malt Exclusive) is better value at £224 vs £250.
For beginners: Craigellachie 17 Year Old (bottled 2023) (casks 2, 3, 4) - Exceptional Cask Series (Master of Malt Exclusive) is more approachable (45/100 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 £223.5)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Craigellachie 17 Year Old (bottled 2023) (casks 2, 3, 4) - Exceptional Cask Series (Master of Malt Exclusive)
Pros
- +More affordable (£223.5 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (17 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (54.7%) — 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 Craigellachie?
Craigellachie 17 Year Old (bottled 2023) (casks 2, 3, 4) - Exceptional Cask Series (Master of Malt Exclusive) 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 Craigellachie 17 Year Old (bottled 2023) (casks 2, 3, 4) - Exceptional Cask Series (Master of Malt Exclusive)
Where to buy
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Craigellachie 17 Year Old (bottled 2023) (casks 2, 3, 4) - Exceptional Cask Series (Master of Malt Exclusive)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange