Balblair 22 Year Old 1975 (cask 7282) - First Cask vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Balblair 22 Year Old 1975 (cask 7282) - First Cask
Balblair
£399
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Balblair 22 Year Old 1975 (cask 7282) - First Cask | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Balblair | Lagavulin |
| Region | Highland | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 46% | 56.5% |
| Age | 22 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £399 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Balblair 22 Year Old 1975 (cask 7282) - First Cask
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Balblair 22 Year Old 1975 (cask 7282) - First Cask
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is better value at £250 vs £399.
For beginners: Balblair 22 Year Old 1975 (cask 7282) - First Cask is more approachable (60/100 beginner score).
Balblair 22 Year Old 1975 (cask 7282) - First Cask
Pros
- +Longer maturation (22 vs 12 years)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
- +Rich oak and wood spice complexity
Cons
- −More expensive (£399 vs £250)
- −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 affordable (£250 vs £399)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Balblair?
Balblair 22 Year Old 1975 (cask 7282) - First Cask suits whisky enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, complex dram. It rewards those with some experience and an appreciation for Highland 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 Balblair 22 Year Old 1975 (cask 7282) - First Cask
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
Balblair 22 Year Old 1975 (cask 7282) - First Cask
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Where to buy
The Whisky Exchange