Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs English Whisky Co. Founders Private Cellar 10 Year Old 2007 (cask 838)

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)English Whisky Co. Founders Private Cellar 10 Year Old 2007 (cask 838)
DistilleryLagavulinThe English Distillery
RegionIslay
CountryScotlandEngland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%60.4%
Age12 yr10 yr
Price£250£189.74
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

English Whisky Co. Founders Private Cellar 10 Year Old 2007 (cask 838)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness60/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

English Whisky Co. Founders Private Cellar 10 Year Old 2007 (cask 838)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

English Whisky Co. Founders Private Cellar 10 Year Old 2007 (cask 838) is better value at £190 vs £250.

For beginners: English Whisky Co. Founders Private Cellar 10 Year Old 2007 (cask 838) is more approachable (35/100 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 10 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £189.74)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

English Whisky Co. Founders Private Cellar 10 Year Old 2007 (cask 838)

Pros

  • +More affordable (£189.74 vs £250)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (60.4%) — 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 English?

English Whisky Co. Founders Private Cellar 10 Year Old 2007 (cask 838) 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)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only English Whisky Co. Founders Private Cellar 10 Year Old 2007 (cask 838)

SherriedDried FruitChocolateOld Wood

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