Arran 18 Year Old (2015 Release) vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Arran 18 Year Old (2015 Release)
Arran
★ 4.60
£199
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Arran 18 Year Old (2015 Release) | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Arran | Lagavulin |
| Region | Island | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 56.5% |
| Age | 18 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £199 | £250 |
| Rating | 4.60/5 | 5.00/5 |
Arran 18 Year Old (2015 Release)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Arran 18 Year Old (2015 Release)
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.60).
Arran 18 Year Old (2015 Release) is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Arran 18 Year Old (2015 Release) is more approachable (75/100 beginner score).
Arran 18 Year Old (2015 Release)
Pros
- +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
- +Great entry point for new whisky drinkers
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.6 vs 5.0)
- −Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Pros
- +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
- +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £199)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Arran?
Arran 18 Year Old (2015 Release) 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
Only Arran 18 Year Old (2015 Release)
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)