Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Kilkerran 17 Year Old - Open Day 2023

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Kilkerran 17 Year Old - Open Day 2023
DistilleryLagavulinKilkerran
RegionIslayCampbeltown
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%57.5%
Age12 yr17 yr
Price£250£250
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Kilkerran 17 Year Old - Open Day 2023

Smoke0/100
Sweetness64/100
Beginner35/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Kilkerran 17 Year Old - Open Day 2023

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Kilkerran 17 Year Old - Open Day 2023 is better value at £250 vs £250.

For beginners: Kilkerran 17 Year Old - Open Day 2023 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)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Kilkerran 17 Year Old - Open Day 2023

Pros

  • +Longer maturation (17 vs 12 years)
  • +Rich oak and wood spice complexity

Cons

  • High ABV (57.5%) — 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 Kilkerran?

Kilkerran 17 Year Old - Open Day 2023 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 Kilkerran 17 Year Old - Open Day 2023

VanillaHoneyMalt ExtractToastedOld Wood

Where to buy

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Kilkerran 17 Year Old - Open Day 2023

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