Arran Malt Millennium Casks Edition 2013 vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Arran Malt Millennium Casks Edition 2013Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
DistilleryArranLagavulin
RegionIslandIslay
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV53.5%56.5%
Age13 yr12 yr
Price£199£250
Rating4.00/55.00/5

Arran Malt Millennium Casks Edition 2013

Smoke0/100
Sweetness69/100
Beginner60/100
Value20/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

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

Arran Malt Millennium Casks Edition 2013

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 4.00).

Arran Malt Millennium Casks Edition 2013 is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: Arran Malt Millennium Casks Edition 2013 is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).

Arran Malt Millennium Casks Edition 2013

Pros

  • +Approachable and beginner-friendly sweetness
  • +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (13 vs 12 years)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (53.5%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (4.0 vs 5.0)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +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 Malt Millennium Casks Edition 2013 suits those who enjoy sweet, honeyed, or fruity whiskies. It's accessible for beginners and crowd-pleasing enough for gifts. Fans of approachable Speyside or Irish whiskey will love it.

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 Malt Millennium Casks Edition 2013

VanillaHoneySherriedFresh Fruit

Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Explore more