Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Ben Nevis 22 Year Old 2000 (cask 1002) (Limited)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Ben Nevis 22 Year Old 2000 (cask 1002) (Limited)
DistilleryLagavulinBen Nevis
RegionIslayHighland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltScotch
ABV56.5%46.2%
Age12 yr22 yr
Price£250£198.95
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Ben Nevis 22 Year Old 2000 (cask 1002) (Limited)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner55/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ben Nevis 22 Year Old 2000 (cask 1002) (Limited)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Ben Nevis 22 Year Old 2000 (cask 1002) (Limited) is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: Ben Nevis 22 Year Old 2000 (cask 1002) (Limited) 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 £198.95)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Ben Nevis 22 Year Old 2000 (cask 1002) (Limited)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£198.95 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (22 vs 12 years)

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 Ben?

Ben Nevis 22 Year Old 2000 (cask 1002) (Limited) suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland character.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Ben Nevis 22 Year Old 2000 (cask 1002) (Limited)

VanillaOld WoodHoneyNuttyToasted

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