Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 Year Old / Batch 3 Islay Whisky
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 Year Old / Batch 3 Islay Whisky
Ardbeg
£200
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 Year Old / Batch 3 Islay Whisky | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Ardbeg |
| Region | Islay | — |
| Country | Scotland | United Kingdom |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 56.5% | 40% |
| Age | 12 yr | NAS |
| Price | £250 | £200 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 Year Old / Batch 3 Islay Whisky
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 Year Old / Batch 3 Islay Whisky
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 Year Old / Batch 3 Islay Whisky is better value at £200 vs £250.
For beginners: Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 Year Old / Batch 3 Islay Whisky is more approachable (75/100 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 £200)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 Year Old / Batch 3 Islay Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£200 vs £250)
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 Ardbeg?
Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 Year Old / Batch 3 Islay Whisky is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Only Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 Year Old / Batch 3 Islay Whisky