Ardmore 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 750772) - The Single Malts of Scotland vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Ardmore 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 750772) - The Single Malts of ScotlandLagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryArdmoreLagavulin
RegionHighlandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV51.5%56.5%
Age25 yr12 yr
Price£179.5£250
Rating5.00/5

Ardmore 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 750772) - The Single Malts of Scotland

Smoke0/100
Sweetness47/100
Beginner45/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Ardmore 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 750772) - The Single Malts of Scotland

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

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

Ardmore 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 750772) - The Single Malts of Scotland is better value at £180 vs £250.

For beginners: Ardmore 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 750772) - The Single Malts of Scotland is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Ardmore 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 750772) - The Single Malts of Scotland

Pros

  • +More affordable (£179.5 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (25 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (51.5%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

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 £179.5)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Ardmore?

Ardmore 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 750772) - The Single Malts of Scotland 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 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

Only Ardmore 25 Year Old 1998 (cask 750772) - The Single Malts of Scotland

Old WoodSherriedToastedDried Fruit

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

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