Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs SMWS No. 25.32 11 Year Old 1992
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
SMWS No. 25.32 11 Year Old 1992
Rosebank
£200
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | SMWS No. 25.32 11 Year Old 1992 | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Rosebank |
| Region | Islay | Lowland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 54.3% |
| Age | 12 yr | 11 yr |
| Price | £250 | £199.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
SMWS No. 25.32 11 Year Old 1992
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
SMWS No. 25.32 11 Year Old 1992
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
SMWS No. 25.32 11 Year Old 1992 is better value at £200 vs £250.
For beginners: SMWS No. 25.32 11 Year Old 1992 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)
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 11 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £199.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
SMWS No. 25.32 11 Year Old 1992
Pros
- +More affordable (£199.95 vs £250)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (54.3%) — 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 SMWS?
SMWS No. 25.32 11 Year Old 1992 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 SMWS No. 25.32 11 Year Old 1992