Ballindalloch 2014 Single Cask No.106 vs Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.
Ballindalloch 2014 Single Cask No.106
Ballindalloch
£194
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Lagavulin
★ 5.00
£250
| Ballindalloch 2014 Single Cask No.106 | Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) | |
|---|---|---|
| Distillery | Ballindalloch | Lagavulin |
| Region | Speyside | Islay |
| Country | Scotland | Scotland |
| Type | Single Malt | Single Malt |
| ABV | 61.3% | 56.5% |
| Age | 10 yr | 12 yr |
| Price | £193.95 | £250 |
| Rating | — | 5.00/5 |
Ballindalloch 2014 Single Cask No.106
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Ballindalloch 2014 Single Cask No.106
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)
Quick verdict
Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).
Ballindalloch 2014 Single Cask No.106 is better value at £194 vs £250.
For beginners: Ballindalloch 2014 Single Cask No.106 is more approachable (35/100 beginner score).
Ballindalloch 2014 Single Cask No.106
Pros
- +More affordable (£193.95 vs £250)
- +Vibrant, fresh fruit character
Cons
- −High ABV (61.3%) — 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)
- +Longer maturation (12 vs 10 years)
Cons
- −High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
- −More expensive (£250 vs £193.95)
- −Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams
Who should buy Ballindalloch?
Ballindalloch 2014 Single Cask No.106 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 Ballindalloch 2014 Single Cask No.106
Only Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)