Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Bladnoch 20 Year Old Distillery Label - 2000s

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

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Bladnoch 20 Year Old Distillery Label - 2000s
DistilleryLagavulinBladnoch
RegionIslayLowland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%40%
Age12 yr20 yr
Price£250£195
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Bladnoch 20 Year Old Distillery Label - 2000s

Smoke0/100
Sweetness59/100
Beginner70/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Bladnoch 20 Year Old Distillery Label - 2000s

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Bladnoch 20 Year Old Distillery Label - 2000s is better value at £195 vs £250.

For beginners: Bladnoch 20 Year Old Distillery Label - 2000s is more approachable (70/100 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 £195)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Bladnoch 20 Year Old Distillery Label - 2000s

Pros

  • +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
  • +More affordable (£195 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (20 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • 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 Bladnoch?

Bladnoch 20 Year Old Distillery Label - 2000s suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Lowland character.

Tasting notes

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Bladnoch 20 Year Old Distillery Label - 2000s

NuttyOld WoodHoneyToastedVanilla

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