Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Octomore 9 Year Old 2011 (Release No.11941) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Octomore 9 Year Old 2011 (Release No.11941) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Bruichladdich
£187
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Octomore 9 Year Old 2011 (Release No.11941) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Bruichladdich |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 50% |
| Age | 12 yr | 9 yr |
| Price | £250 | £186.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Octomore 9 Year Old 2011 (Release No.11941) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Octomore 9 Year Old 2011 (Release No.11941) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Octomore 9 Year Old 2011 (Release No.11941) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) is better value at £187 vs £250.
For beginners: Octomore 9 Year Old 2011 (Release No.11941) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) is more approachable (40/100 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)
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 9 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £186.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Octomore 9 Year Old 2011 (Release No.11941) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +More affordable (£186.95 vs £250)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 Octomore?
Octomore 9 Year Old 2011 (Release No.11941) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Single Malt character.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Octomore 9 Year Old 2011 (Release No.11941) - The Stories of Wind & Wave (The Character of Islay Whisky Company)