Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Martell VSOP Medaillon Cognac / Bot.1970s
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Martell VSOP Medaillon Cognac / Bot.1970s
Martell
£225
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Martell VSOP Medaillon Cognac / Bot.1970s | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Martell |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 56.5% | 40% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £225 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Martell VSOP Medaillon Cognac / Bot.1970s
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Martell VSOP Medaillon Cognac / Bot.1970s
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Martell VSOP Medaillon Cognac / Bot.1970s is better value at £225 vs £250.
For beginners: Martell VSOP Medaillon Cognac / Bot.1970s 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 £225)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Martell VSOP Medaillon Cognac / Bot.1970s
Pros
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£225 vs £250)
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 Martell?
Martell VSOP Medaillon Cognac / Bot.1970s 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)
Only Martell VSOP Medaillon Cognac / Bot.1970s