Arran 18 Year Old - Pre 2019 vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Arran 18 Year Old - Pre 2019
Arran
★ 4.72
£199
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Arran 18 Year Old - Pre 2019 | 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 | 4.72/5 | 5.00/5 |
Arran 18 Year Old - Pre 2019
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Arran 18 Year Old - Pre 2019
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.72).
Arran 18 Year Old - Pre 2019 is better value at £199 vs £250.
For beginners: Arran 18 Year Old - Pre 2019 is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Arran 18 Year Old - Pre 2019
Pros
- +Better value for money
- +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
- +Longer maturation (18 vs 12 years)
- +More widely reviewed by the community
Cons
- −Lower community rating (4.7 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)
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 - Pre 2019 suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Island character.
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 - Pre 2019
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)