Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 Year Old / Batch 3 Islay Whisky vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 Year Old / Batch 3 Islay Whisky
Ardbeg
£200
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 Year Old / Batch 3 Islay Whisky | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ardbeg | Lagavulin |
| Region | — | Islay |
| Country | United Kingdom | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | |
| ABV | 40% | 56.5% |
| Age | NAS | 12 yr |
| Price | £200 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 Year Old / Batch 3 Islay Whisky
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 Year Old / Batch 3 Islay Whisky
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 Year Old / Batch 3 Islay Whisky is better value at £200 vs £250.
For beginners: Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 Year Old / Batch 3 Islay Whisky is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 Year Old / Batch 3 Islay Whisky
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +More affordable (£200 vs £250)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
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 £200)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Ardbeg?
Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 Year Old / Batch 3 Islay Whisky is an ideal first whisky — sweet, approachable, and widely available. It's a great gift and a safe choice for anyone new to whisky or who prefers lighter, friendlier drams.
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.
Tasting notes
Both taste of
Only Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 Year Old / Batch 3 Islay Whisky
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)