Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Ben Nevis 25 Year Old 1998 - Westie Sponge 5 (Decadent Drinks)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
Ben Nevis 25 Year Old 1998 - Westie Sponge 5 (Decadent Drinks)
Ben Nevis
£285
| Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | Ben Nevis 25 Year Old 1998 - Westie Sponge 5 (Decadent Drinks) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Lagavulin | Ben Nevis |
| Region | Islay | Highland |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 56.5% | 50.8% |
| Age | 12 yr | 25 yr |
| Price | £250 | £284.95 |
| Rating | 5.00/5 | — |
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Ben Nevis 25 Year Old 1998 - Westie Sponge 5 (Decadent Drinks)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Ben Nevis 25 Year Old 1998 - Westie Sponge 5 (Decadent Drinks)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £285.
For beginners: Ben Nevis 25 Year Old 1998 - Westie Sponge 5 (Decadent Drinks) 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)
- +More affordable (£250 vs £284.95)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Ben Nevis 25 Year Old 1998 - Westie Sponge 5 (Decadent Drinks)
Pros
- +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (50.8%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£284.95 vs £250)
- −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 Ben?
Ben Nevis 25 Year Old 1998 - Westie Sponge 5 (Decadent Drinks) 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 Ben Nevis 25 Year Old 1998 - Westie Sponge 5 (Decadent Drinks)