Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

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

Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside CollectionLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020)
DistilleryCaperdonichLagavulin
RegionSpeysideIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV48%56.4%
Age18 yr12 yr
Price£139.9£199
Rating5.00/54.67/5

Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection

Smoke68/100
Sweetness40/100
Beginner45/100
Value36/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

Smoke64/100
Sweetness55/100
Beginner25/100
Value23/100

Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.67).

Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection is better value at £140 vs £199.

For beginners: Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More affordable (£139.9 vs £199)

Cons

  • Niche style — may not suit all palates

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (56.4%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£199 vs £139.9)
  • Lower community rating (4.7 vs 5.0)

Who should buy Caperdonich?

Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Speyside character.

Who should buy Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020) 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

Both taste of

SmokeyToasted

Only Caperdonich 18 Year Old Peated - Secret Speyside Collection

MedicinalDried FruitLeathery

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2020)

HoneyCooked Fruit

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